Nasa plans to have a permanent base on the Moon by 2030 – how it can be done

A US Senate committee has directed Nasa to begin work on a Moon base “as soon as is practicable”. Under legislation advanced by the Senate lawmakers, the outpost would serve as a science laboratory and proving ground, where astronauts would develop the capabilities to live and work beyond Earth’s orbit.

A recent executive order issued by the White House directs Nasa to establish the initial elements of a permanent Moon base by 2030.

Since 2017, Artemis has been the Nasa-led programme...