NASA Announces $20 Billion Moon Base In Race Against China

NASA on Tuesday announced the U.S. is building a permanent base on the surface of the Moon, the latest front in what the administration calls a “second space race” with China.

During the agency’s “Ignition” event, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman reaffirmed President Donald Trump’s commitment to return to the Moon before the end of his term and establish a permanent American presence in the high-stakes race against China. Both countries are determined to land men on the Moon by the end of the decade, with Secretary of Transportation and former Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy declaring in September, “we’re getting there first.”

The administration originally planned to build the “Lunar Gateway,” a permanent space station in orbit, but has now pivoted toward the construction of a ground base into which NASA will invest over $20 billion. Several parts of the Gateway were nearly complete, with Isaacman stating that NASA could “repurpose” equipment.

“NASA is committed to achieving the near-impossible once again, to return to the Moon before the end of President Trump’s term, build a Moon base, establish an enduring presence, and do the other things needed to ensure American leadership in space,” Isaacman stated.

Isaacman also announced the base’s construction on X, writing, “The objective is clear: build the foundation for an enduring lunar base and take the next step toward Mars.”

The administrator stated in a separate X post