It’s official: The US and NASA are building a permanent base on the moon
For the first time in history, the United States has made it law and America is building a NASA moon base. What was once the stuff of science fiction is now a fully authorized, federally funded mission, backed by both Congress and the White House.
The breakthrough: Legislation that changed everything
In March 2026, the US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation unanimously passed the NASA Authorization Act of 2026. This is a bipartisan bill that, for the very first time, officially authorizes NASA to establish a permanent human presence on the lunar surface. The bill allocates $24.7 billion for FY2026 and $25.3 billion for FY2027 to make it happen.
A White House executive order reinforces the mandate, directing NASA to establish the initial elements of a permanent NASA moon base by 2030.
What the moon base will look like
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman has outlined an ambitious $30 billion plan to build a fully operational lunar outpost at the Moon’s south pole by 2036. His message was clear: “This time the goal is not flags and footprints. This time the goal is to stay.”
The NASA moon base will be built in stages and will require dozens of launches carrying rovers, drones, habitat modules, communication systems, and power infrastructure. The lunar south pole experiences extended periods of darkness, sometimes lasting months, solar power alone won’t cut it. The base will rely on radioactive isotope power sources and eventually a nuclear reactor to keep operations running continuously.
The long-proposed orbiting “Gateway” space station has been shelved. The focus is now squarely on the surface.
Also see: The Innovators Jam imagines this NASA moon base with AI
NASA’s road to get there
The path to a permanent base runs through the Artemis program. In 2027, Artemis III will test crew docking in lunar orbit with landers being developed by SpaceX and Blue Origin. If all goes to plan, Artemis IV will return humans to the Moon in 2028, the first lunar landing in more than 50 years.
From there, missions will accelerate rapidly, building out the infrastructure needed for long-duration habitation, robotic operations, and scientific research.
Why now? Global race to conquer the monn & the China factor
Behind the urgency is a stark geopolitical reality. China, partnered with Russia, is developing its own International Lunar Research Station, with a crewed lunar landing targeted for no later than 2030. Senate Commerce Chair Ted Cruz put it plainly: the bill directs NASA to build a permanent moon base “so we can get there before China does.”
The race is real, and the stakes go beyond science.
What comes next
NASA is hosting a press conference on May 26, 2026, to reveal new industry partners and detailed mission plans for the moon base program.
The Moon is no longer just a destination. It’s becoming humanity’s next address and America intends to get there first.
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