Final answer:
NASA's Lunar Gateway space station will support future Moon missions, part of the Artemis program, serving as a hub for human and robotic lunar operations and deep space exploration.
Step-by-step explanation:
NASA is planning to support future Moon missions with the Lunar Gateway space station, which is the correct answer to the student's question, option A. The Lunar Gateway is part of NASA's Artemis program, representing a significant advancement in lunar exploration. This new space station will serve as a multifunctional outpost orbiting the Moon, providing support for long-term lunar surface exploration and serving as a staging point for deep space missions.
Unlike a lunar base which requires substantial life support systems and utilization of local materials, the Lunar Gateway is a more feasible short-term project. It facilitates international partnerships and acts as a science laboratory, as well as a test-bed for new technologies. The station will allow for greater flexibility and sustainability in lunar and deep space exploration, and will be integral in carrying out both human and robotic missions to the surface of the Moon and beyond.