NASA is shifting the Artemis Moon program to focus on building a permanent lunar base, aiming for a sustained human presence as a foundation for future Mars exploration. The agency will redirect resources from the planned Gateway orbital station to developing lunar surface infrastructure, though Gateway may be reconsidered later. The new approach involves phased progress: Phase one will increase regular robotic landings using Commercial Lunar Payload Services and the Lunar Terrain Vehicle initiative to test technologies and surface operations. Phase two introduces semi-habitable infrastructure and routine astronaut support, with international contributions from Canada, Italy, and Japan. Phase three focuses on deploying heavy infrastructure for long-term habitation as cargo capabilities expand. NASA plans to invest about $20 billion over seven years, targeting dozens of missions in collaboration with commercial and international partners. Alongside lunar activities, NASA will launch a nuclear-powered Space Reactor-1 spacecraft to Mars by 2028 to test nuclear propulsion. Artemis III is delayed to 2027, with Artemis IV set for 2028, and NASA plans to transition to twice-yearly crewed lunar missions after Artemis V. The overarching goal is to establish a permanent U.S. presence on the Moon.

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