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We’ve read about for generations, and it’s all come from science fiction novels. Now, after 9 years of development and fabrication, Project Genesis, the construction of the first lunar base, is becoming a reality. Throughout this past year, in conjunction with the Russian space program, modules of the base have been delivered to the lunar surface. With the last piece of the structure touching down today, delivered by the shuttle Airostar, construction is said to commence at once.

Australian led scientists and Brigham Aerospace joined forces with NASA in the development and construction of the Luna Gaia. This self contained base will be the anchor for the future expansion and colonization of the moon, as well as a launching point for further space travel.

The site chosen for the base is within the Mare Nubium, or Sea of Clouds. It was picked for its location to ice found during the LCROSS lunar-impact probe from 2010, http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/water-moon-nasa-impact-probe/story?id=11939079#.TtzWCErw87A. It also allows room for expansion within the northern mares.

Back in 2006, NASA Administrator Arthur Ruberts stated that, “…the goal of space exploration isn’t just locating other planets and galaxies, it’s also about extending the range of human habitats. To move forward we need to move away from Earth into the solar system.” Australian scientist, Ian Carver, to this to heart. He, and fellow scientists with in the Australian Academy of Aerospace, joined together to begin Project Genesis.

This “closed-looped” environment, meaning that almost everything used within is recyclable allowing for little input from other sources, is 90-95% self-sufficient. “We built off the failed Biosphere 2 project the U.S. built back in the 80’s.” said Charles Adelae, an aerospace engineer at Brigham Aerospace. “It allowed for a great spring board for the development, and aided in saving much time, money and resources.”

A spokesman from NASA states that with all the modules there, construction will begin right away, and barring any major complications, should be completed by later this week. The project calls for the base to be up and functional for one year with additional labs added throughout that time. At the conclusion of that year, the colony expansion into the northern mares will begin.

“It’s a a great step and a great moment for space development,” said Carver. “This project will strip away any doubts that man can live, and thrive, in space.”