NASA has revealed its ambitious plans for a £15 billion lunar base at the Moon's South Pole, expected to be operational by 2032. The project aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon, serving as a stepping stone for future Mars missions. NASA administrator Jared Isaacman highlighted the challenges of this endeavor, noting the limited knowledge gained from previous Apollo missions. The lunar base will be powered by nuclear and solar energy and will be constructed in three phases. The first phase, already in progress, involves sending astronauts to the lunar surface for research and groundwork. The second phase, planned between 2029 and 2032, will focus on building infrastructure for extended missions. The final phase will ensure a continuous human presence on the Moon, similar to the International Space Station. Private aerospace companies will play a crucial role, with contracts awarded for developing lunar terrain vehicles. Isaacman expressed the vision of creating a 'lunar economy' to support ongoing exploration efforts.