NASA and US government to build nuclear reactor on Moon
NASA and the US Department of Energy are teaming up to put a nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030.
This big step is part of a renewed push for American leadership in space, with plans tied to upcoming Artemis lunar missions and future Mars trips.
New lunar reactor
The new lunar reactor is designed to power Moon bases even during two-week-long nights when solar energy just doesn't cut it.
Originally targeted to weigh less than six tons for earlier 40 kW designs, the new reactor — now targeting up to 100 kW, which could strain those mass limits — will run for 10 years without refueling—enough juice for habitats, rovers, and experiments.
NASA's Jared Isaacman calls this a "Golden Age" of exploration, since reliable power could make living and working on the Moon (and maybe Mars) way more doable.
Faster progress toward Mars missions
If all goes well, this tech could mean longer stays on the Moon and faster progress toward Mars missions.
With more power available, scientists can set up real infrastructure—think labs, habitats, or mining operations—without worrying about running out of energy in the dark.