Space Plans Shift: From Lunar Station to Moon Base, Comet Spin Mystery Revealed

NASA has pivoted its lunar roadmap, abandoning the planned Gateway space station—a joint venture that would have orbited the Moon—to concentrate on establishing a permanent base on the lunar surface. The new initiative, estimated at $20 billion, unfolds in three stages:

1. Robotic Pioneers – Send robotic rovers and scientific instruments via commercial partners to map the terrain and conduct preliminary experiments.
2. Semi‑Habitable Outposts – Construct modular, semi‑habitable structures that support astronauts and foster international collaboration.
3. Expanded Habitats & Vehicles – Add larger habitats and transport vehicles to enable long‑term stays and deeper exploration.

NASA plans to launch crewed missions every six months following the Artemis V flight slated for 2028, accelerating human presence on the Moon.