NASA Outlines Three-Phase Plan for Lunar South Pole Base

NASA has released a three-phase roadmap and new renderings for establishing a lunar outpost near the Moon's South Pole. The agency described the facility as the site where astronauts will live and work at humanity's first lunar base. The plan begins with robotic missions and surface testing through 2029.

Up to 25 missions, including 21 landings, will deliver roughly four tons of payloads to demonstrate navigation, communications, and power systems.

Phase two, scheduled from 2029 to 2032, will introduce semi-permanent infrastructure. Expanded solar arrays, early nuclear power systems, upgraded rovers, and the first habitation modules are planned, along with up to 24 landings carrying about 60 tons of cargo.

Phase three, starting in 2032, will scale the site into a continuously staffed base. Semi-permanent habitats, operational fission power, pressurized rovers, and annual cargo deliveries of up to 38 tons are listed as elements of sustained human presence.

The drones are intended to survey steep terrain and permanently shadowed regions for about 14 Earth days each. NASA stated the overall effort involves international space agencies, industry, and academic partners.