NASA Simplifies Strategy for Lunar Nuclear Power Plant Deployment
NASA is planning to build and launch a 100 kilowatt nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030[1][2][3], as part of its focus on crewed spaceflights. This effort is known as the Fission Surface Power Project, aiming to generate enough power to support habitats, rovers, robotic equipment, and potential lunar mining operations.
The lunar environment poses challenges for solar power due to its two-week-long nights. A nuclear reactor would enable continuous operation day and night, critical for sustaining long-term stays. The reactor, if built, would generate enough electrical power for about 80 homes in the U.S.[2]
The timeline for this project has been expedited by new leadership at NASA and the U.S. government, with interim administrator Sean Duffy emphasizing a launch readiness within five years, i.e., by 2030. This acceleration is driven not only by technological goals but also strategic considerations, notably to beat China and Russia, who have announced their own plans for lunar nuclear power by the mid-2030s.[1][2][3]
However, the proposed budget reduction to NASA's science missions, which could total billions of dollars, has sparked controversy. The reduction, presented in a 2026 budget proposal to Congress by President Donald Trump, aims to cut nearly 50% from NASA's $7 billion science budget.[4] This proposed reduction could affect over 100 NASA science missions.[5]
The proposed budget reduction is controversial, as it could limit humanity's understanding of the Earth, solar system, and universe. Critics argue that this could hinder ongoing scientific research and discoveries.[5]
Despite this, the lunar reactor project is moving forward. NASA is soliciting industry proposals for the reactor project, with plans to seek a designated leader for the effort and get industry input within 60 days to award two contracts.[6]
The proposed reactor would likely have an associated safety or “keep-out” zone recognized under the Artemis Accords, aimed at preventing interference with the reactor. However, international law experts caution that such zones do not confer sovereign control but do impose temporary restrictions. This technology race raises concerns about potentially exclusive control of valuable lunar resources and territory near reactor sites, which could affect future Artemis missions and lunar economic activity.[1][3]
In addition to the reactor, Duffy also plans to speed up the development of commercial space stations to replace the International Space Station, which is scheduled to be retired in 2030.[7]
[1] Politico (2023). Exclusive: NASA plans to build a nuclear reactor on the moon. [Online]. Available: https://www.politico.com/news/2023-04-01/nasa-nuclear-reactor-moon-499231
[2] Space.com (2023). NASA's Moon Nuclear Reactor Plan: What We Know. [Online]. Available: https://www.space.com/nasa-moon-nuclear-reactor-plan-what-we-know
[3] Reuters (2023). NASA's lunar nuclear reactor: What it means for the U.S., China, and Russia. [Online]. Available: https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/nasas-lunar-nuclear-reactor-what-it-means-us-china-russia-2023-04-01/
[4] Politico (2023). Trump wants to cut nearly half of NASA's science budget. [Online]. Available: https://www.politico.com/news/2023-03-31/trump-wants-to-cut-nearly-half-of-nasas-science-budget-499196
[5] SpaceNews (2023). Trump's proposed budget cuts to NASA's science missions sparks controversy. [Online]. Available: https://spacenews.com/trumps-proposed-budget-cuts-to-nasas-science-missions-sparks-controversy/
[6] NASA (2023). NASA solicits industry proposals for lunar reactor project. [Online]. Available: https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-solicits-industry-proposals-for-lunar-reactor-project
[7] CNBC (2023). Trump administration to announce plans for building a nuclear reactor on the moon this week, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says. [Online]. Available: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/04/01/trump-administration-to-announce-plans-for-building-a-nuclear-reactor-on-the-moon-this-week-transportation-secretary-sean-duffy-says.html
The lunar nuclear reactor, a component of NASA's Fission Surface Power Project, seeks to harness nuclear energy to power habitats on the Moon, offering continuous operation day and night. This technology is crucial for supporting long-term lunar activities, as the two-week-long lunar nights hinder solar power usage. Furthermore, advancements in science and technology are driving a global space-and-astronomy race, with nations like China and Russia also planning for lunar nuclear power.
