NASA Pauses Lunar Gateway, Redirects $20 Billion Toward Permanent Moon Base

NASA said it would pause Gateway “in its current form” and redirect resources toward building a permanent base on the Moon’s surface.

“Centre highlighted the UAE’s sustained ambition in space exploration The UAE’s Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has reaffirmed its commitment to the Artemis programme and its partnership with NASA following the agency’s decision to pause the Lunar Gateway project, highlighting the country’s continued focus on advancing its lunar capabilities”

Gulf News

The move is part of a broader plan to shift from an orbital staging ground to a surface-based, continuous lunar presence, with a three-phase approach and a roughly $20 billion budget over seven years.

Gulf News

The initiative is aligned with a larger US agenda that includes a 2028 Mars mission powered by nuclear electric propulsion.

The UAE’s MBRSC responded by reaffirming its commitment to Artemis and signaling it will stay engaged with NASA and future lunar infrastructure efforts.

The Emirates Airlock would enable astronauts to perform spacewalks, transfer research and crew, and serve as an additional docking port for spacecraft.

Khaleej Times notes that the new NASA strategy includes building a settlement on the Moon for permanent human presence.

Khaleej Times

Gulf News emphasizes that MBRSC continues to advance its own lunar capabilities and remains focused on long-term human presence on the Moon.

Overall, the UAE’s earlier contribution to Gateway positions it to remain a proactive partner in Artemis-era lunar infrastructure.

The article notes that international partners had committed resources to Gateway and are rethinking those roles now that the project is paused.

“As the global space race enters a decisive new phase, a major shift by NASA has sent ripples across international partners, including the UAE”

The Times of India

MBRSC’s statements in Khaleej Times and Gulf News emphasize a continued, long-term commitment to lunar exploration and collaboration with NASA.

The combined reporting suggests the UAE aims to leverage the pause to deepen its role in Artemis-era missions rather than withdraw from international lunar work.

The pause occurs amid US–China strategic competition over lunar presence and regional space partnerships.

UAE authorities emphasize long-term commitment to space exploration and Artemis, reframing the pause as opportunity rather than retrenchment.

Gulf News

Coverage from Khaleej Times and Gulf News reinforces that UAE aims to shape future lunar missions and remain an active partner in NASA-led programs.

The UAE is positioning itself as a core node in Artemis-era lunar infrastructure, not a peripheral partner.

“Just days after NASA announced a pause on its Gateway lunar space project, the UAE has welcomed the move and reiterated its long-term commitment to space exploration”

Khaleej Times

Khaleej Times describes the UAE’s space program as a long-term, strategic commitment that aligns with its national ambitions.

Khaleej Times

The Times of India highlights a moon settlement roadmap and a multiyear, multi-partner funding plan that underpins this strategic shift.