Lunar bases are seen as a critical first step in the long-term goal of space colonization. NASA’s Artemis program aims to return humans to the Moon by 2025, with the goal of establishing a sustainable lunar base. These bases would provide a platform for studying the Moon’s resources, including water ice, which could be used for fuel and life support systems.
In addition to NASA, private companies like SpaceX are also exploring the possibility of establishing human settlements on the Moon. These efforts could pave the way for missions to Mars and beyond, creating the foundation for humanity’s future as a spacefaring civilization.