NASA unveils plans for base on moon and nuclear Mars mission

By Dean Murray

NASA has unveiled plans for a $20 billion moon base and a nuclear-powered mission to Mars.

The space agency outlined details at its "Ignition" event on Tuesday, March 24, to implement President Donald Trump’s National Space Policy before his term ends.

Missions will include crewed moon landings every six months to visit a permanent lunar base.

This follows a Phase One "Build, Test, Learn" strategy using CLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) and LTV (Lunar Terrain Vehicle) for frequent deliveries, while pausing Gateway redesign to repurpose hardware for the surface.

Artemis III will test in Earth orbit in 2027, paving the way for a human landing on Artemis IV in early 2028—likely featuring the first woman on the lunar surface—and another return via Artemis V later that year.

Rovers, hoppers and drones will also be despatched to explore and carry out scientific work.

Space Reactor-1 Freedom, the first nuclear-powered interplanetary spacecraft, was announced as scheduled to launch to Mars by 2028 to demonstrate nuclear electric propulsion and deploy helicopters.

A NASA statement explained: "When SR-1 Freedom reaches Mars, it will deploy the Skyfall payload of Ingenuity‑class helicopters to continue exploring the Red Planet."

Speaking at the event, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said: "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.

"The clock is running in this great‑power competition, and success or failure will be measured in months, not years."