Washington: NASA has announced a significant shift in its lunar exploration strategy, opting to build a $20 billion base on the Moon's surface instead of the initially planned station in lunar orbit. This decision was revealed by NASA's new administrator, Jared Isaacman, who assumed his role in December.

According to Anadolu Agency, Isaacman disclosed the change during a full-day event at NASA headquarters in Washington. The event marked the unveiling of several revisions to Artemis, NASA's primary lunar exploration initiative. Isaacman emphasized the strategic pivot, stating, "It should not really surprise anyone that we are pausing Gateway in its current form and focusing on infrastructure that supports sustained operations on the lunar surface."

Previously, the Lunar Gateway was being developed by contractors Northrop Grumman and Vantor, formerly known as Maxar. The Gateway was intended to function as an orbital outpost around the Moon. However, transforming it for use on the lunar surface presents significant technical challenges. Despite these hurdles, Isaacman expressed confidence in repurposing existing equipment and international partnerships to support the new objectives of the Artemis program.

The Lunar Gateway was initially planned to serve as both a scientific research hub and a staging point for astronauts to transfer to lunar landers before descending to the Moon. The recent policy changes introduced by Isaacman are now reshaping the Artemis program and affecting contracts valued at billions of dollars.