NASA and Blue Origin Target 2030s Lunar Base at South Pole

NASA is committing $20–30 billion to build a crewed lunar base near the south pole, with Blue Origin supplying landers capable of hauling three metric tons with pinpoint accuracy. The facility will host four astronauts for month-long stays, generate water and oxygen from lunar soil, and power itself independently. Crewed missions begin in 2027, shifting NASA's mission from exploration toward permanent lunar operations.