US lunar base plan announced after Shenzhou-23 launches

By Deriq Bernard

May 30, 2026 12:04 am

AMERICA’S National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has unveiled plans to establish a permanent human presence on the moon, while reigniting concerns over whether the United States can sustain long-term leadership in space amid political and funding uncertainty.

The announcement came just days after China launched three taikonauts to its Shenzhou-23 spacecraft as part of its growing space program run through a centralized state-led action that contrasts sharply with NASA’s contractor-driven model.

LUNAR MISSION (From left) Models of the Blue Origin Mark 1 Lunar Lander, Astrolab Crewed Lunar Rover, Lunar Outpost Pegasus rover, and the Firely Elytra Dark orbiter presented after a news conference to discuss Moon Base, a long-term lunar exploration. PHOTO FROM NASA/AUBREY GEMIGNANI

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