NASA pivots to lunar surface base, sidelining Gateway orbital station
The US space agency has unveiled a three-phase plan to establish a permanent research centre at the Moon’s south pole, shifting focus from orbital infrastructure to direct surface operations.
NASA has finalised a comprehensive strategy to construct the first lunar base at the Moon’s south pole, marking a decisive shift away from the previously prioritised Gateway orbital station programme. The agency’s new approach, which was refined in early 2026, concentrates resources on direct surface operations to reduce operating costs and accelerate the timeline for the Artemis programme. This strategic pivot aims to establish a sustained human presence on the lunar surface within the next decade, beginning with robotic exploration and technology testing.
The initiative is structured across three distinct phases. Phase One, spanning from 2026 to 2029, will be characterised by high activity, involving at least 25 missions and 21 surface landings. This period will focus on deploying rovers, drones, surface reactors, and new-generation satellites to test the technologies required for future manned missions. A key milestone in this phase is the scheduled test flight of Blue Origin’s Blue Moon Mark 1 Endurance lander in late 2026, which will evaluate controlled descent and navigation technology without carrying astronauts.
Should the initial lander tests prove successful, Blue Origin plans to deploy a manned version of the vehicle around 2028, potentially utilising the Blue Moon Mark 2 variant. Concurrently, missions designated as Moon Base II and III will launch in 2026 to evaluate complex rover operations and study material behaviour under extreme lunar conditions. These early missions are designed to lay the technological and symbolic foundations for the base, serving as critical learning opportunities for operating in one of the most demanding environments imaginable.
Phase Two, commencing in 2029, will transition the project from experimentation to the assembly of semi-permanent infrastructure. This stage involves the installation of advanced energy systems, initial habitat elements, and robust communication networks. NASA plans to deliver up to 60 tons of cargo across 24 missions during this period, establishing the logistical backbone necessary for continuous human occupancy and scientific research on the lunar surface.
The final Phase Three aims to scale operations into a durable site featuring constant personnel rotation and annual cargo shipments of approximately 38 tons. The long-term vision includes habitable modules, reliable power systems, and comprehensive logistics networks for crew and cargo transportation. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman stated that the initiative seeks to advance science, drive economic and technological gains, and prepare for future deep-space exploration, emphasising that every mission will contribute to mastering the skills required for sustained lunar habitation.
