NASA&#146;s big plans

last updated 8 January 2015

Washington, D.C.

NASA this week announced plans to build a permanent base on the moon by 2024—raising the prospect of a manned space flight to Mars. The ambitious proposals mark a radical departure from previous short trips to the moon. The base would be permanently staffed by 2024, and once complete, astronauts from the U.S. and other nations would spend up to six months at a time there. NASA said it wants the base to prepare for a manned mission to Mars, and ultimately, exploration of other planets. “The lunar base will be a central theme in our plan for going to the moon in preparation to go to Mars and beyond,” said NASA’s Scott Horowitz. “It’s a very, very big decision.”