NASA Plans Nuclear Reactors on Moon by 2030
Original: NASA Wants to Put Nuclear Reactors on the Moon
Why This Matters
Establishes foundation for permanent lunar presence and deep space exploration capabilities
White House announces NASA will work with Defense and Energy departments to deploy nuclear reactors in orbit by 2028 and on lunar surface by 2030. Initiative aims to ensure US space superiority through continuous power for lunar bases and spacecraft propulsion.
The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy unveiled guidelines for a space nuclear technology roadmap targeting deployment of medium-power reactors in orbit by 2028 and large reactors on the moon by 2030. The reactors must produce at least 20 kilowatts for three years in orbit and five years on lunar surface, with designs capable of scaling to 100 kilowatts. NASA and Pentagon will develop technologies using contractor competition, while the Department of Energy will provide fuel, infrastructure, and safety oversight. The DOE will evaluate industry capacity to produce four reactors within five years. Nuclear power offers continuous energy compared to intermittent solar power, enabling sustained lunar base operations and nuclear electric propulsion for extended missions. NASA administrator Jared Isaacman stated 'The time has come for America to get underway on nuclear power in space,' highlighting competition with China's advancing lunar energy capabilities.