# Moonbase

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{{Short description|Long-term human settlement on the Moon}}
{{Other uses}}
[[File:Aldrin Looks Back at Tranquility Base - GPN-2000-001102.jpg|[Tranquility Base](/source/Tranquility_Base):<ref name="y094">{{cite web | title=Planetary Names | website=Planetary Names | date=April 8, 2024 | url=https://planetarynames.wr.usgs.gov/Feature/5684 | access-date=August 13, 2025}}</ref> (L to R) Astronaut [Buzz Aldrin](/source/Buzz_Aldrin), scientific equipment, [Apollo Lunar Module ''Eagle''](/source/Lunar_Module_Eagle); US flag and television camera in back (photo by [Neil Armstrong](/source/Neil_Armstrong))|thumb]]

A '''moonbase''' (or '''lunar base''') is a [human outpost](/source/human_outpost) on or below the surface of the [Moon](/source/Moon).<ref name="Classes">{{Cite conference |last=Kennedy |first=Kriss |last2=Toups |first2=Larry |last3=Smitherman |first3=David |date=2007-09-18 |title=Lunar Habitation Strategies |url=https://arc.aiaa.org/doi/10.2514/6.2007-6275 |language=en |publisher=American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics |doi=10.2514/6.2007-6275 |isbn=978-1-62410-016-1|url-access=subscription }}</ref> More than a mere site of activity or temporary camp, moonbases are extraterrestrial bases, supporting [robotic](/source/uncrewed_spaceflight) or [human](/source/crewed_spaceflight) activity, by providing surface infrastructure. [Missions to the Moon](/source/List_of_missions_to_the_Moon) have realized single-mission bases ([Tranquility Base](/source/Tranquility_Base) being the first), as well as [some small permanent infrastructure](/source/Moon) like [lunar laser ranging installations](/source/Lunar_Laser_Ranging_Experiment).

Plans for establishing permanent multi-mission moonbases, with surface or sub-surface [research station](/source/research_station)s, are being proposed internationally. As of 2025, the two most advanced projects to set up moonbases have been pursued [multilaterally](/source/Multilateralism) as part of the U.S.-led [Artemis program](/source/Artemis_program), with its planned [Artemis Base Camp](/source/Artemis_program) and as the China-led [International Lunar Research Station](/source/International_Lunar_Research_Station).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dangwal |first=Ashish |date=2023-11-22 |title=1st Country With Lunar Outpost, Competition 'Heating-Up' Between US-Led Artemis & China's ILRS |url=https://www.eurasiantimes.com/new-artemis-or-china-led-international-lunar-research-station/ |access-date=2024-05-05 |website=Latest Asian, Middle-East, EurAsian, Indian News |language=en-US}}</ref> A broader, international infrastructure has been envisioned with the so-called Moon Village concept, and a general international regulatory regime for lunar activity has been called for by the 1979 signed [Moon Treaty](/source/Moon_Treaty), and advocated for with an [implementation agreement](/source/Moon_Treaty) since 2020.<ref name="The Space Review 2020">{{cite web | title=The Space Review: The Artemis Accords: repeating the mistakes of the Age of Exploration | website=The Space Review | date=June 29, 2020 | url=https://www.thespacereview.com/article/3975/1 | access-date=February 1, 2022 | archive-date=January 25, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125075833/https://www.thespacereview.com/article/3975/1 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="The Space Treaty Institute – Dedicated to Peace and Sustainability in Outer Space. Our Mission">{{cite web | title=The Space Treaty Institute – Dedicated to Peace and Sustainability in Outer Space. Our Mission: To give people Hope and Inspiration by helping the nations of Earth to build a Common Future | website=The Space Treaty Institute – Dedicated to Peace and Sustainability in Outer Space. Our Mission | url=http://www.spacetreaty.org/ | access-date=February 1, 2022 | archive-date=February 1, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220201060827/http://www.spacetreaty.org/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

The surface infrastructure of a base may consist of pre-integrated basic [landers](/source/Lander_(spacecraft)), as supporting stations for robotic [rovers](/source/Rover_(space_exploration)), or [habitation modules](/source/space_habitat_(facility)) for crewed presence, or of surface assembled or in-situ derived and constructed surface stations for sustained [lunar habitation](/source/lunar_habitation).<ref name="Classes"/> Lunar bases may work with lunar [space station](/source/space_station)s, which provide supporting infrastructure in [lunar orbit](/source/lunar_orbit).

The development of moonbases into permanent [extraterrestrial settlement](/source/extraterrestrial_settlement)s has been put forward.<ref name="Classes"/><ref name="o167">{{cite web | title=Lunar Bases and Settlements – NSS | website=NSS – The National Space Society | date=2023-12-05 | url=https://nss.org/lunar-bases-and-settlements/ | access-date=2024-05-19}}</ref> Broader [lunar colonization](/source/lunar_colonization) or [space colonization](/source/space_colonization) in general, particularly as laying territorial claims, which is prohibited by international [space law](/source/space_law), has been criticized for perpetuating [colonialism](/source/colonialism).<ref name="Wall 2019">{{cite web | last=Wall | first=Mike | title=Bill Nye: It's Space Settlement, Not Colonization | website=Space.com | date=2019-10-25 | url=https://www.space.com/bill-nye-space-settlement-not-colonization.html | access-date=2023-06-14}}</ref>

==Past bases==
{{Further|List of missions to the Moon}}
[[File:AS12-48-7133 (21470506269).jpg|thumb|upright=1|[Apollo 12](/source/Apollo_12) astronaut [Pete Conrad](/source/Pete_Conrad) with [Surveyor 3](/source/Surveyor_3) and Apollo 12 ''[Statio Cognitum](/source/Statio_Cognitum)'' lunar base with the ''Intrepid'' lander and S-band antenna in the background, in a first ever [visit of a separate mission](/source/Space_rendezvous) beyond [Low Earth Orbit](/source/Low_Earth_Orbit)<ref name="g936">{{cite web |author=Pearson |first=Ezzy |date=2019-11-01 |title=Apollo 12: the story of the second manned mission to the Moon |url=https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/space-missions/apollo-12-story-second-mission-moon |access-date=2024-07-21 |website=BBC Sky at Night Magazine}}</ref>]]

The [Apollo Program](/source/Apollo_Program) established the first six temporary bases on the Moon, starting with [Tranquility Base](/source/Tranquility_Base) (1969).

Later robotic missions set up simple robotic temporary bases, rovers and [sample-return mission](/source/sample-return_mission)s leaving their landers behind, starting with [Luna 16](/source/Luna_16) (1970).

[[File:The Soviet Union 1970 CPA 3952 stamp (Luna 16 Leaving Moon (1970.09.20)).jpg|thumb|upright=0.8|Soviet stamp commemorating [Luna 16](/source/Luna_16) (1970), with its return stage separating from its lander.]]

==Regulation==
{{Main|Moon#Legal status}}

The 1967 [Outer Space Treaty](/source/Outer_Space_Treaty) defines the Moon and all outer space as the "[province of all mankind](/source/common_heritage_of_mankind)".<ref name="unoosa_q6">{{cite web |url=http://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/FAQ/splawfaq.html#Q6 |title=Can any State claim a part of outer space as its own? |publisher=[United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs](/source/United_Nations_Office_for_Outer_Space_Affairs) |access-date=28 March 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100421232450/http://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/FAQ/splawfaq.html#Q6 |archive-date=21 April 2010 }}
</ref> It restricts the use of the Moon to peaceful purposes, explicitly banning military installations and [weapons of mass destruction](/source/weapons_of_mass_destruction).<ref name="unoosa_q5">{{cite web |url=http://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/FAQ/splawfaq.html#Q5 |title=Do the five international treaties regulate military activities in outer space? |publisher=[United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs](/source/United_Nations_Office_for_Outer_Space_Affairs) |access-date=28 March 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100421232450/http://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/FAQ/splawfaq.html#Q5 |archive-date=21 April 2010}}</ref> A majority of countries are parties of this treaty.<ref name="unoosa_q4">{{cite web |url=http://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/FAQ/splawfaq.html#Q4 |title=How many States have signed and ratified the five international treaties governing outer space? |date=1 January 2006 |publisher=[United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs](/source/United_Nations_Office_for_Outer_Space_Affairs) |access-date=28 March 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100421232450/http://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/FAQ/splawfaq.html#Q4 |archive-date=21 April 2010}}</ref>

The 1979 [Moon Agreement](/source/Moon_Treaty) was created to elaborate on the Outer Space Treaty, restricting the exploitation of the [Moon's resources](/source/Lunar_resources), particularly by any single nation, leaving it to a yet unspecified international regulatory regime.<ref name="The Space Review 2021">{{cite web | title=The Space Review: Is outer space a de jure common-pool resource? | website=The Space Review | date=October 25, 2021 | url=https://www.thespacereview.com/article/4270/1 | access-date=April 9, 2022 | archive-date=November 2, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211102004759/https://thespacereview.com/article/4270/1 | url-status=live }}</ref> As of January 2020, the Moon Agreement has been signed and ratified by 18 nations,<ref name="unoosa_moon">{{cite web |url=http://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/SpaceLaw/moon.html |title=Agreement Governing the Activities of States on the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies |publisher=[United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs](/source/United_Nations_Office_for_Outer_Space_Affairs) |access-date=28 March 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100809072447/http://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/SpaceLaw/moon.html |archive-date=9 August 2010}}</ref> none of which have [human spaceflight](/source/human_spaceflight) capabilities.

Current lunar programs are [multilateral](/source/Multilateralism), with the US-led [Artemis program](/source/Artemis_program) and the China-led [International Lunar Research Station](/source/International_Lunar_Research_Station). For broader international cooperation and coordination the [International Lunar Exploration Working Group](/source/International_Lunar_Exploration_Working_Group) (ILEWG), the [Moon Village Association](/source/Moon_Village_Association) (MVA) and more generally the [International Space Exploration Coordination Group](/source/International_Space_Exploration_Coordination_Group) (ISECG) has been established.

Since 2020, countries have joined the U.S. in their [Artemis Accords](/source/Artemis_Accords), which are challenging the treaty. The U.S. has furthermore emphasized in a presidential [executive order](/source/executive_order) ("Encouraging International Support for the Recovery and Use of Space Resources.") that "the United States does not view outer space as a 'global commons{{' "}} and calls the Moon Agreement "a failed attempt at constraining free enterprise."<ref>{{cite web | first=Kiran | last=Vazhapully | title=Space Law at the Crossroads: Contextualizing the Artemis Accords and the Space Resources Executive Order | date=July 22, 2020 | website=OpinioJuris | access-date=May 10, 2021 | url=http://opiniojuris.org/2020/07/22/space-law-at-the-crossroads-contextualizing-the-artemis-accords-and-the-space-resources-executive-order/ | archive-date=May 10, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510140033/http://opiniojuris.org/2020/07/22/space-law-at-the-crossroads-contextualizing-the-artemis-accords-and-the-space-resources-executive-order/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite press release |url=https://spaceref.com/press-release/administration-statement-on-executive-order-on-encouraging-international-support-for-the-recovery-and-use-of-space-resources/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240201151140/https://spaceref.com/press-release/administration-statement-on-executive-order-on-encouraging-international-support-for-the-recovery-and-use-of-space-resources/ |archive-date=February 1, 2024 |url-status=live |title=Administration Statement on Executive Order on Encouraging International Support for the Recovery and Use of Space Resources |via=SpaceRef |date=April 6, 2020 |publisher=White House |access-date=June 17, 2020 }}</ref>

With Australia signing and ratifying both the Moon Treaty in 1986 as well as the Artemis Accords in 2020, there has been a discussion if they can be harmonized.<ref name="Australian Institute of International Affairs 2021">{{cite web | title=Australia Between the Moon Agreement and the Artemis Accords | website=Australian Institute of International Affairs | date=June 2, 2021 | url=https://www.internationalaffairs.org.au/australianoutlook/australia-between-the-moon-agreement-and-the-artemis-accords/ | access-date=February 1, 2022 | archive-date=February 1, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220201052259/https://www.internationalaffairs.org.au/australianoutlook/australia-between-the-moon-agreement-and-the-artemis-accords/ | url-status=live }}</ref> In this light an ''Implementation Agreement'' for the Moon Treaty has been advocated for, as a way to compensate for the shortcomings of the Moon Treaty and to harmonize it with other laws and agreements such as the Artemis Accords, allowing it to be more widely accepted.<ref name="The Space Review 2020"/><ref name="The Space Treaty Institute – Dedicated to Peace and Sustainability in Outer Space. Our Mission"/>

===Conservation===
{{Further|Space sustainability}}
In the face of such increasing commercial and national interest, particularly prospecting territories, U.S. lawmakers have introduced in late 2020 specific regulation for the conservation of historic landing sites<ref name="HowStuffWorks 2021">{{cite web | title='One Small Step' Act Encourages Protection of Human Heritage in Space | website=HowStuffWorks | date=January 12, 2021 | url=https://science.howstuffworks.com/us-law-protect-lunar-landing-sites.htm | access-date=November 1, 2021 | archive-date=November 1, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211101214329/https://science.howstuffworks.com/us-law-protect-lunar-landing-sites.htm | url-status=live }}</ref> and interest groups have argued for making such sites [World Heritage Site](/source/World_Heritage_Site)s<ref name="For All Moonkind">{{cite web | title=Moonkind – Human Heritage in Outer Space | website=For All Moonkind | url=https://www.forallmoonkind.org/moonkind-mission/human-heritage-in-outer-space/ | access-date=November 1, 2021 | archive-date=November 1, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211101214336/https://www.forallmoonkind.org/moonkind-mission/human-heritage-in-outer-space/ | url-status=live }}</ref> and zones of scientific value protected zones, all of which add to the legal availability and territorialization of the Moon.<ref name="Alvarez 2020 p.">{{cite thesis |last=Alvarez |first=Tamara |title=The Eighth Continent: An Ethnography of Twenty-First Century Euro-American Plans to Settle the Moon |date=January 1, 2020 |access-date=November 1, 2021 |url=https://www.academia.edu/43890727 |pages=109–115, 164–167, 176 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220205171101/https://www.academia.edu/43890727 |archive-date=February 5, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

== Moon Village concept==
thumb|upright=1.2|3D-printed lunar habitat (ESA, 2018)

The [European Space Agency](/source/European_Space_Agency) (ESA) endorsed a '''Moon Village''' concept in 2015.<ref>[http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20150712-should-we-build-a-village-on-the-moon Should we build a village on the Moon?] Richard Hollingham, ''BBC News''. 1 July 2015.</ref> The "Village" is an international group of public and private investors, scientists, engineers, universities, and corporate actors coordinating to build and share infrastructure on the Moon and in [cislunar](/source/Outer_space) space. Moon Village promotes international cooperation and the [commercialization of space](/source/Commercial_use_of_space).<ref name="Wörner 2016">[http://m.esa.int/About_Us/Ministerial_Council_2016/Moon_Village Moon Village: A vision for global cooperation and Space 4.0] Jan Wörner, ESA Director General. April 2016.</ref><ref name="LD 2016">[https://www.space.com/32695-moon-colony-european-space-agency.html]. Leonard David, ''Space.com''. 26 April 2016.</ref><ref name="Interview 2016">[http://m.esa.int/About_Us/DG_s_news_and_views/Moon_Village_humans_and_robots_together_on_the_Moon Moon Village: humans and robots together on the Moon]. ESA. 1 March 2016.</ref> 

The Moon Village Association is a nonprofit organization established in [Vienna](/source/Vienna) in November 2017.<ref name="PS Lunar Village 2018">{{cite news|last=Burke|first=John D|date=25 January 2018|title=International meetings: Moon initiatives International meetings: Moon initiatives|newspaper=[The Planetary Society](/source/The_Planetary_Society) [Blog](/source/Blog)|publisher=[The Planetary Society](/source/The_Planetary_Society)|url=http://www.planetary.org/blogs/guest-blogs/2018/0123-international-meetings-moon.html|access-date=2018-01-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Moon Village Association|url=https://www.moonvillageassociation.org/#overview-1|access-date=2018-01-28|publisher=Moon Village Association}}</ref> with the mission to create a global forum to build and maintain a permanent human settlement near the [lunar south pole](/source/lunar_south_pole), taking advantage of near-continuous sunlight and nearby deposits of ice and other useful [volatiles](/source/Volatile_(astrogeology)).<ref name="PS Lunar Village 2018" />

{{blockquote|The Moon Village is not one project or one program. It says, "Let's do it together." | [Jan Wörner](/source/Johann-Dietrich_W%C3%B6rner)<ref>[https://spacenews.com/urban-planning-for-the-moon-village/ Urban planning for the Moon Village]. Jeff Foust, ''Space News''. 26 December 2018.</ref>}}

According to ESA, the Village's objective is to create a permanent sustainable presence on the surface of the Moon, whether robotic or crewed.<ref name="Wörner 2016" /><ref name="LD 2016" /> In 2017, ESA Director General [Jan Wörner](/source/Johann-Dietrich_W%C3%B6rner), described the Village as "an understanding, not a single facility",<ref>[https://www.techforspace.com/european-space-sector/esa-moon-village-what-it-really-is/ ESA Moon Village – what it really is?] Marcin Wolny, ''Tech For Space''. 11 May 2017.</ref> and a first step toward Martian exploration.<ref name="Wörner 2016" /><ref name="PhysOrg Sep 2018">[https://phys.org/news/2017-09-moon-village-mars-esa.html Moon village the first stop to Mars: ESA]. ''PhysOrg''. 28 September 2018.</ref> Wörner suggested the Moon Village as a successor to the orbiting [International Space Station](/source/International_Space_Station) (ISS).<ref name="PhysOrg Sep 2018" /><ref name="Jesus 2017">Cecille De Jesus, [https://futurism.com/esas-plan-for-a-moon-village-is-slowly-starting-to-come-together/ ESA's Plan for a "Moon Village" is Slowly Starting to Come Together]. ''Futurism''. 8 January 2017.</ref>

China has expressed interest in the Moon Village<ref>[https://futurism.com/china-and-europe-may-build-a-moon-village-in-the-2020s/ China and Europe May Build A "Moon Village" in the 2020s]. ''Universe Today''. 30 April 2017.</ref><ref>Colm Gorey, [https://www.siliconrepublic.com/innovation/moon-village-colony-2050 'Moon Village' could be a thriving colony of 1,000 by 2050]. ''Silicon Republic''. 25 September 2017.</ref> as has NASA, as the Moon Village relates to NASA's proposed [Lunar Gateway](/source/Lunar_Gateway) space station.<ref name="Interview 2016" /><ref>[https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/ger_2018_small_mobile.pdf The Global Exploration Roadmap]. (PDF) International Space Exploration Coordination Group. NASA. January 2018.</ref> The private aerospace company [Blue Origin](/source/Blue_Origin) has expressed early interest and [offered to develop a cargo lander](/source/Blue_Origin_Blue_Moon) with a {{cvt|4500|kg|abbr=on}} capacity of usable payload.<ref name="sn20180529">{{cite news|last=Foust|first=Jeff|date=29 May 2018|title=Bezos outlines vision of Blue Origin's lunar future|work=[SpaceNews](/source/SpaceNews)|url=https://spacenews.com/bezos-outlines-vision-of-blue-origins-lunar-future/|access-date=21 August 2018}}</ref>

[[File:Future Moon base.jpg|thumb|A depiction by [ESA](/source/ESA) from 2018 of a future moonbase being shielded by [in-situ utilized](/source/In_situ_resource_utilization) [regolith](/source/regolith)]]

In 2018, the [Vienna University of Technology](/source/TU_Wien) received sponsorship from ESA for a design workshop on the topic of the Moon Village. 35 master students have developed hypothetical scenarios for a future Moon village. The cooperative concept of the workshop led to a number of new themes, such as multipurpose mobile infrastructure, an astro-scientist training campus on the Moon, an experimental research food lab, and a lunar recycling facility.<ref>{{Cite web|title=IAC Archive — IAC-18/A5/1/8|url=https://iafastro.directory/iac/archive/browse/IAC-18/A5/1/43903/|access-date=2021-04-27|website=iafastro.directory}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Envisioning the Moon Village – Space Architecture Design Studio SS2018|url=https://issuu.com/hochbau2/docs/hb2_moonvillage|access-date=2021-04-27|website=Issuu|language=en}}</ref>

thumb|Inflatable lunar base with greenhouses, all radiation shielded through regolith, while sunlight enters through mirrors (ESA, 2022)<ref name="r625">{{cite journal | last=Herzig | first=Thomas | last2=Kömle | first2=Norbert I. | last3=Macher | first3=Wolfgang | last4=Bihari | first4=Gabor | last5=Gläser | first5=Philipp | title=Site selection, thermodynamics, environment and life support analysis for the PneumoPlanet inflatable lunar habitat concept | journal=Planetary and Space Science | volume=224 | date=2022 | doi=10.1016/j.pss.2022.105595 | article-number=105595}}</ref>

== Chinese concept ==
{{Main|International Lunar Research Station}}
thumb|Map of the '''International Lunar Research Station''' (ILRS) states

In 2020, China proposed the '''International Lunar Research Station''' (ILRS), a somewhat similar proposal to the Moon Village, with the Russian space agency [Roscosmos](/source/Roscosmos) and the ESA showing interest.<ref>{{cite web|last=Jones|first=Andrew|date=21 August 2020|title=China is aiming to attract partners for an international lunar research station|url=https://spacenews.com/china-is-aiming-to-attract-partners-for-an-international-lunar-research-station/|access-date=30 November 2020|work=[SpaceNews](/source/SpaceNews)}}</ref> The first steps toward establishing the ILRS will be taken through [Phase IV of the Chinese Lunar Exploration Program](/source/Chinese_Lunar_Exploration_Program), consisting of [Chang'e 6](/source/Chang'e_6), [7](/source/Chang'e_7), and [8](/source/Chang'e_8), as well as the Russian missions, [Luna 25](/source/Luna_25), [26](/source/Luna_26), and [27](/source/Luna_27). Long-term robotic and short-term crew missions at the ILRS are expected to begin in the early 2030s.<ref>{{cite web|last=Jones|first=Andrew|date=17 February 2021|title=Russia, China to sign agreement on international lunar research station|url=https://spacenews.com/russia-china-to-sign-agreement-on-international-lunar-research-station/|access-date=18 February 2021|work=[SpaceNews](/source/SpaceNews)}}</ref> Roscosmos signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the creation of the ILRS with CNSA on March 9, 2021.<ref name="CnsaRoscosmosLunarBase">{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/09/asia/russia-china-lunar-station-intl-hnk-scli-scn|title=China and Russia agree to build joint lunar space station|first=Jessie|last=Yeung|date=March 10, 2021|website=CNN}}</ref> There is a projected timeline stretching from the 2030s to 2045.<ref name="cnsa2045">{{Cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2021/03/china-and-russia-say-they-will-work-together-to-build-a-lunar-station/|title=Russia turns away from NASA, says it will work with China on a Moon base|first=Eric|last=Berger|date=March 9, 2021|website=Ars Technica}}</ref>

The [China National Space Administration](/source/China_National_Space_Administration) ([CNSA](/source/CNSA)) has commenced the [Chang'e program](/source/Chang'e_program) for exploring the Moon to investigate the prospect of [lunar mining](/source/Lunar_resources), specifically for mining [isotope](/source/isotope) [helium-3](/source/helium-3) for use as an energy source on Earth.<ref name="Luan">{{cite web|last=David|first=Leonard|date=4 March 2003|title=China Outlines its Lunar Ambitions|url=http://space.com/missionlaunches/china_moon_030304.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060316214426/http://space.com/missionlaunches/china_moon_030304.html|archive-date=16 March 2006|access-date=2009-05-19|publisher=[Space.com](/source/Space.com)}}</ref> CNSA director Luan Enjie has stated that humans must learn to leave [Earth](/source/Earth) and "set up a self-sufficient extraterrestrial homeland".<ref name="Luan" />

On March 9, 2021, Russia and China signed a memorandum of understanding for the joint construction of the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) around 2035.

== Russian concept==
{{Main|Lunny Poligon}}
The [Russian Federal Space Agency](/source/Russian_Federal_Space_Agency) ([Roscosmos](/source/Roscosmos)) has planned a fully robotic lunar base called '''Lunny Poligon'''. The project was planned for 2020, with an expected completion date of 2037.{{Update inline|date=August 2019|reason=2020 is one year away; this would be big news currently if that was still the schedule}} On March 9, 2021, [Russia](/source/Russia) turned to cooperate with [China](/source/China) and signed a memorandum of understanding for the joint construction of the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS).

== United States concepts ==
{{Main|NASA lunar outpost concepts}}

The United States has run several attempts to design and in some cases develop lunar outposts and the needed missions, the first being from 1959, with the upcoming Artemis missions being the most advanced.

===Current: Artemis Program===
thumb|NASA's plan presented in 2026 for the establishment of a permanent lunar base
{{Excerpt|NASA lunar outpost concepts#Artemis Base Camp|files=no}}

==== Foundational Surface Habitat: Multi-Purpose Habitation module ====
{{Main|Multi-Purpose Habitation (lunar base)}}
[[File:Artemis Base Camp.png|thumb|Concept art of Artemis Base Camp at the [Lunar south pole](/source/Lunar_south_pole) with a [Foundational Surface Habitat](/source/Multi-Purpose_Habitation_(lunar_base)) and a [Pressurized rover ("Mobile Habitat")](/source/Artemis_program)]]

Under a bilateral Moon cooperation agreement between NASA and [ASI](/source/Italian_Space_Agency) and within the [Artemis Accords](/source/Artemis_Accords), [Thales Alenia Space](/source/Thales_Alenia_Space) is designing a Foundational Surface Habitat, the [Multi-Purpose Habitation (MPH) module](/source/Multi-Purpose_Habitation_(lunar_base)). The MPH module will host Artemis astronauts and support both surface operations and scientific research experiments. It will operate both with and without the presence of a human crew and will have the ability to move on the surface.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/space/press_release/thales-alenia-space-signs-contract-italian-space-agency-asi-develop |title=Thales Alenia Space Italy to build the Multi-Purpose Habitation module for the Moon |publisher=Thales Alenia Space}}</ref> In March 2026 ISA president Teodoro Valente indicated, "A long-standing space cooperation, now even deeper, between NASA and ASI will lead to the creation of a base camp on the Moon and an Italian astronaut walking on the lunar surface."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ansa.it/amp/english/news/science_tecnology/2026/03/31/an-italian-astronaut-will-walk-on-the-moon-says-asi_ffe12ad0-95e4-4f84-9b53-df9e2f8bb7fc.html |title=An Italian astronaut will walk on the Moon says ASI |publisher=[Agenzia Nazionale Stampa Associata](/source/Agenzia_Nazionale_Stampa_Associata) |date=31 March 2026}}</ref>

== Soviet Union concepts (defunct) ==

=== Zvezda ===
{{Main|Zvezda (moonbase)}}

Zvezda moonbase ({{langx|ru|звезда}}, ''"star"'') was a [Soviet](/source/Soviet_Union) plan and project from 1962 to 1974 to construct a crewed moonbase as successor to the [N1-L3 crewed lunar expedition program](/source/Soviet_crewed_lunar_programs). 
The project was ordered by the Soviet space chief [Korolyov](/source/Sergei_Korolev) to [Barmin](/source/Vladimir_Barmin)'s 
Spetcmash bureau. The project was named ''DLB Lunar Base'' in technical specifications and ''Zvezda'' in government documents. Unofficially, the project was called ''Barmingrad'' (Barmin's city) by its designers.

The realization of the project depended on key parts of the N1-L3 program – the [N-1](/source/N1_(rocket)) superheavy launcher, all 4 launches of which failed between 1969 and 1972. Zvezda moonbase was cancelled with the rest of the Soviet human lunar programs. All crewed Soviet lunar programs, including a Zvezda moonbase, had been classified as top secret and were only published in the [glasnost](/source/glasnost) epoch since 1990.

=== Lunar Expeditionary Complex ===
{{Excerpt|Lunar Expeditionary Complex}}

=== Energia Lunar Expedition ===
{{Excerpt|Energia Lunar Expedition|}}

== Other concepts ==
[[Image:S88 33646.jpg|thumb|[Lunar lava tube](/source/Lunar_lava_tube)s have been envisioned to house humans ([NASA](/source/NASA) drawing of astronauts exploring a cave on the Moon, 1988).]]

In 1954, science fiction writer [Arthur C. Clarke](/source/Arthur_C._Clarke) proposed a lunar base of [inflatable module](/source/inflatable_space_habitat)s covered in lunar dust for insulation.<ref name="base">{{cite web |url=http://aerospacescholars.jsc.nasa.gov/HAS/cirr/em/6/8.cfm |title=Lunar Base Designs |date=17 March 2008 |website=Aerospace Scholars |access-date=2009-09-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080611072207/http://aerospacescholars.jsc.nasa.gov/HAS/cirr/em/6/8.cfm |archive-date=2008-06-11}}</ref> A spaceship assembled in [low Earth orbit](/source/low_Earth_orbit) would launch to the Moon, and astronauts would set up the [igloo](/source/igloo)-like modules and an inflatable [radio](/source/radio) mast. Subsequent steps would include the establishment of a larger, permanent dome; an [algae](/source/algae)-based [air purifier](/source/air_purifier); a [nuclear reactor](/source/nuclear_reactor) for the provision of power; and [electromagnetic cannon](/source/mass_driver)s to launch [cargo](/source/cargo) and [fuel](/source/fuel) to interplanetary vessels in space.

In 1959, John S. Rinehart suggested that the safest design would be a structure that could "[float] in a stationary ocean of [dust](/source/dust)", since there were, at the time this concept was outlined, theories that there could be mile-deep dust oceans on the Moon.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Rinehart |first=John S. |date=1959 |title=Design Criteria for Buildings on the Moon |url=https://louis.uah.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1047&context=space-journal |journal=Space Journal |volume=1 |access-date=15 March 2025 |number=5}}</ref> The proposed design consisted of a half-cylinder with half-domes at both ends, with a [micrometeoroid](/source/micrometeoroid) shield placed above the base.

In 1962, John DeNike and Stanley Zahn published their idea of a sub-surface base located at the [Sea of Tranquility](/source/Mare_Tranquillitatis).<ref name="baseb">{{cite web|date=17 March 2008|title=Lunar Base Designs|url=http://aerospacescholars.jsc.nasa.gov/HAS/cirr/em/6/8.cfm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080611072207/http://aerospacescholars.jsc.nasa.gov/HAS/cirr/em/6/8.cfm|archive-date=2008-06-11|access-date=2009-09-12|website=Aerospace Scholars}}</ref> This base would house a crew of&nbsp;21, in modules placed four meters below the surface, which was believed to provide [radiation](/source/Cosmic_ray) shielding on par with Earth's atmosphere. DeNike and Zahn favored [nuclear reactor](/source/nuclear_reactor)s for energy production, because they were more efficient than [solar panels](/source/Photovoltaic_module), and would also overcome the problems with the long lunar nights. For the life support system, an algae-based gas exchanger was proposed.{{citation_needed|date=July 2019}}

{{As of|2006||df=}}, the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency ([JAXA](/source/JAXA)) planned a human lunar landing around 2020 that would lead to a crewed lunar base by 2030; however, there was no budget yet for this project.<ref>{{cite web|date=2006-08-03|title=Japan Plans Moon Base By 2030|url=http://www.moondaily.com/reports/Japan_Plans_Moon_Base_By_2030_999.html|access-date=2009-05-19|work=Moon Daily|publisher=SpaceDaily}}</ref>{{Update inline|date=August 2019|reason=2020 is one year away; this would be big news currently if that was still the schedule}}

In 2007, Jim Burke, of the [International Space University](/source/International_Space_University) in France, said people should plan to preserve humanity's culture in the event of a civilization-stopping asteroid impact with Earth. A Lunar [Noah's Ark](/source/Noah's_Ark) was proposed.<ref>{{cite web|title='Lunar Ark' Proposed in Case of Deadly Impact on Earth|url=http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/08/070814-lunar-ark.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070913092641/http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/08/070814-lunar-ark.html|archive-date=September 13, 2007|access-date=12 June 2015|work=nationalgeographic.com}}</ref> Subsequent planning may be taken up by the [International Lunar Exploration Working Group](/source/International_Lunar_Exploration_Working_Group) (ILEWG).<ref>{{cite news|last=Chittenden|first=Maurice|date=9 March 2008|title=Mankind's secrets kept in lunar ark|work=[The Sunday Times](/source/The_Sunday_Times)|location=London|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/science/article3511818.ece|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080513120001/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/science/article3511818.ece|archive-date=May 13, 2008|access-date=2008-03-16}}
</ref><ref>
{{cite news|last=Highfield|first=Roger|date=10 March 2008|title=Plans for 'doomsday ark' on the moon|work=[Telegraph.co.uk](/source/Telegraph.co.uk)|location=London|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/main.jhtml?xml=/earth/2008/03/10/sciark110.xml|access-date=2008-03-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080314155235/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/main.jhtml?xml=%2Fearth%2F2008%2F03%2F10%2Fsciark110.xml|archive-date=2008-03-14}}
</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Platt|first=Kevin Holden|date=14 August 2007|title='Lunar Ark' Proposed in Case of Deadly Impact on Earth|work=[National Geographic News](/source/National_Geographic_News)|url=http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/08/070814-lunar-ark.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070913092641/http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/08/070814-lunar-ark.html|archive-date=September 13, 2007|access-date=2008-03-16}}</ref>

In 2010, ''The Moon Capital Competition'' offered a prize for a design of a lunar habitat intended to be an underground international commercial center capable of supporting a residential staff of 60 people and their families. The Moon Capital is intended to be self-sufficient with respect to food and other material required for life support. Prize money was provided primarily by the [Boston Society of Architects](/source/Boston_Society_of_Architects), [Google Lunar X Prize](/source/Google_Lunar_X_Prize) and The New England Council of the [American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics](/source/American_Institute_of_Aeronautics_and_Astronautics).<ref>{{Cite news| url=http://www.space-travel.com/reports/Moon_Capital_A_Commercial_Gateway_To_The_Moon_999.html | title= Moon Capital: A Commercial Gateway To The Moon| first=Marc | last= Cohen | publisher= Moon Daily| date=2010-08-30 | access-date=2010-08-30}}</ref>

== Surface infrastructure ==
{{Further|Moon#Infrastructure|List of active Solar System probes#Moon}}
[[Image:Apollo 11 Lunar Laser Ranging Experiment.jpg|thumb|[Apollo 11](/source/Apollo_11) Lunar [Laser Ranging Retroreflector](/source/Laser_Ranging_Retroreflector)]]
Besides temporary infrastructure of lunar missions, some of the permanently placed [artificial objects on the Moon](/source/List_of_artificial_objects_on_the_Moon) have already fulfilled long-term purposes. Since 1969, [retroreflectors have been installed](/source/List_of_retroreflectors_on_the_Moon) on the surface of the Moon and are actively used for [lunar laser ranging](/source/lunar_laser_ranging). Equatorial sites have been described as easier for landing and launch and allowing constant communication with Earth, although long lunar nights pose challenges for power.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Gibney |first=Elizabeth |date=2018 |title=How to build a Moon base |url=https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-018-07107-4 |journal=Nature |language=en |volume=562 |issue=7728 |pages=474–478 |doi=10.1038/d41586-018-07107-4}}</ref>

In the 2010s, the [International Lunar Network](/source/International_Lunar_Network) consisting of robotic instruments placed around the moon was also proposed.

==Orbital infrastructure==
Lunar orbital spacecraft have been supporting lunar bases since the use of the [Apollo command and service module](/source/Apollo_command_and_service_module) in lunar orbit.

Today an increasing number of lunar satellites provide different services to surface missions and possibly to lunar bases.

The current lunar landing [Artemis program](/source/Artemis_program) was to be supported by the since shelved [Lunar Gateway](/source/Lunar_Gateway).<ref>{{Cite web |title=NASA plans moon base instead of orbital lunar station |url=https://www.dw.com/en/nasa-plans-moon-base-instead-of-orbital-lunar-station/a-76510267 |access-date=2026-03-25 |website=dw.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-03-24 |title=Nasa abandons orbiting lunar station plan in favor of $20 billion 'moon base' |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/space/nasa-moon-base-artemis-lunar-gateway-station-b2944745.html |access-date=2026-03-25 |website=The Independent |language=en}}</ref>

[[File:Gateway and Orion in lunar orbit (5).jpg|thumb|right|Concept art of the shelved [Lunar Gateway](/source/Lunar_Gateway), proposed as a communication hub, science laboratory, short-term habitation for crewed missions and holding area for rovers in [Lunar orbit](/source/Lunar_orbit)<ref name="Jackson20180911">{{citation-attribution|1={{Cite web|title=Competition Seeks University Concepts for Gateway and Deep Space Exploration Capabilities|url=https://www.nasa.gov/feature/competition-seeks-university-concepts-for-gateway-and-deep-space-exploration-capabilities|last1=Jackson|first1=Shanessa|website=nasa.gov|publisher=NASA|access-date=19 September 2018|date=11 September 2018|archive-date=17 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617064456/https://www.nasa.gov/feature/competition-seeks-university-concepts-for-gateway-and-deep-space-exploration-capabilities/|url-status=live}} }}</ref>]]

== See also ==
* [Lunar habitation](/source/Lunar_habitation)
* [Human presence in space](/source/Human_presence_in_space)
* [Human outpost](/source/Human_outpost)
** [Research station](/source/Research_station)
** [Space station](/source/Space_station)
*** [Lunar Gateway](/source/Lunar_Gateway)
*** [Orbital Piloted Assembly and Experiment Complex](/source/Orbital_Piloted_Assembly_and_Experiment_Complex)
** [Space observatory](/source/Space_observatory)
** [Mars habitat](/source/Mars_habitat)
*** [Human mission to Mars](/source/Human_mission_to_Mars)
* [Lunar lander](/source/Lunar_lander)
** [Lunar module](/source/Lunar_module)
** [List of crewed lunar landers](/source/List_of_crewed_lunar_landers)
* [List of artificial objects on the Moon](/source/List_of_artificial_objects_on_the_Moon)
* [Lunar resources](/source/Lunar_resources)
* [Moon in fiction](/source/Moon_in_fiction)

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://issuu.com/hochbau2/docs/hb2_moonvillage Envisioning the Moon Village – Architectural Design Studio 2018]

{{Moon colonization}}
{{The Moon|state=collapsed}}
{{Use American English|date=January 2014}}

Category:Exploration of the Moon
Category:Human spaceflight
Category:Spaceflight ground equipment

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Moonbase](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moonbase) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moonbase?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.