Japan Moon Base by 2030

Nature is reporting that at a lunar exploration symposium in Tokyo this week, Junichiro Kawaguchi, head of Japan’s lunar and planetary exploration program, announced a deadline of 2020 for sending astronauts to the Moon, and 2030 for constructing a Moon base. The plan isn’t yet official, however, as there is no allocated budget – something that is expected to run up to 3 trillion yen ($26 billion USD).

Some see the bold plan as not worth the steep price tag and suggest world collaboration, but it is not yet decided whether or not Japan will attempt the deed alone or with international support.