NASA's Ambitious Plans for a Lunar Nuclear Reactor
This week, acting NASA administrator Sean Duffy will unveil ambitious plans for constructing a nuclear reactor on the Moon. This marks a significant first decision for the former Fox News anchor in his new role at the space agency, Politico reports.
According to the new directive, NASA aims to solicit proposals from the industry for building a 100-kilowatt nuclear reactor to be operational by 2030. This is a notable acceleration compared to previous plans for a 40-kilowatt reactor set to launch in the early 2030s.
"This is about winning the second space race," said an anonymous NASA employee.
This decision is linked to competition with China, which plans to land its first astronaut on the Moon around the same timeframe. The directive highlights that the first country to establish a reactor on the Moon will be able to "declare a restricted access zone, significantly limiting U.S. capabilities."
The initiative aligns with the Trump administration's focus on crewed spaceflight. The White House proposed a budget that increases funding for human spaceflight through 2026, despite nearly a 50% cut to scientific missions.
In addition to the lunar reactor, Duffy has also issued a directive for the expedited replacement of the International Space Station with commercial alternatives by 2030. NASA plans to award contracts to at least two companies within six months of the solicitation.
The agency is expected to appoint a project manager and gather industry feedback within 60 days. This initiative signifies that NASA will continue to develop nuclear technologies, even after the Pentagon canceled the joint nuclear rocket engine program.
