NASA scientists have released their plan to have a permenant base on the moon by 2020. The base is set to be fully operational by 2024. NASA researchers are planning to have the base on rim of the Shackleton basin. This location recieves almost full-time sunlight, and also offers access to the "dark side of the moon." This area is considered exciting because of the lack of radio contact. NASA stated that they wont make any final decisions until their lunar recon orbiter comes back, which will not even be launched until next year. NASA plans to take this step by step, until their money runs out. They are currently open to commercial sponsorship. Check it out