NASA scraps lunar gateway, shifts focus to $20B moon surface base

NASA has decided to abandon its plan for a lunar-orbiting Gateway station and instead invest in building a long-term base directly on the Moon’s surface.

The agency now aims to repurpose already developed components into a new $20 billion lunar surface facility, targeting completion within the next seven years. The shift marks a major change in direction for NASA’s Artemis programme, which had previously centered on an orbiting outpost similar to the International Space Station.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman confirmed the decision on Tuesday, saying the agency is prioritizing infrastructure that supports sustained human presence on the Moon rather than maintaining an orbital platform.

The Gateway project was originally designed as a staging hub for astronauts, enabling missions deeper into lunar territory. Portions of the station had already been built by contractors, including Northrop Grumman and Vantor, but these elements will now be adapted for surface use.

The move comes amid increasing global competition in lunar exploration, particularly following China’s announcement of plans to begin constructing its own Moon base by 2030, with completion expected by 2035.

Meanwhile, NASA is preparing for the Artemis II mission, scheduled for launch on April 1, 2026. The mission, which will send astronauts around the Moon, represents the first crewed lunar journey in more than five decades. Despite previous delays, it remains a critical step toward establishing a sustained human presence beyond Earth.