The topic of a nuclear reactor on the moon is again front and center as the United States moves forward with its fastest timeline yet. In a significant leap for space exploration, NASA has announced plans to rapidly accelerate the deployment of a nuclear reactor to the lunar surface as early as the early 2030s, aiming to provide sustainable power for future moon missions and permanent human presence.
This new initiative is making headlines because Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy—recently appointed as interim NASA chief—is scheduled to formally unveil the ambitious roadmap within days. According to internal documents, NASA will request detailed proposals from industry leaders for a 100-kilowatt reactor design within the next two months. This system is projected to supply the reliable, continuous power that lunar bases will require, especially during the two-week lunar night when solar energy is unavailable.
Why Fast-Track a Lunar Nuclear Reactor?
- Energy Needs: The moon’s two-week cycles of darkness make solar power alone unreliable for a permanent base. A nuclear reactor provides electricity round the clock, essential for habitats, science experiments, and lunar industry.
- Global Competition: With China planning its own manned lunar missions for the latter half of the decade, there are strategic considerations. Whichever nation operates the first lunar nuclear reactor may declare exclusion zones, affecting wider lunar exploration.
- Artemis Program: NASA’s Artemis program is targeting astronaut landings on the moon by 2027, so securing a stable lunar power source is now a priority.
NASA’s vision is to deliver a demonstration unit to the moon by the early 2030s. Here’s what’s known so far:
- Power Output: Reactors must supply at least 40-100kW of power, enough for a small community or several lunar rovers and scientific stations.
- Duration: Targeted lifetime for the system is a minimum of 10 years of continuous operation without human maintenance.
- Mass and Size: Designs must be highly compact and lightweight, fitting into a lunar lander’s available payload space.
- Contract Phase: Industry proposals are due within 60 days; companies like Westinghouse, Lockheed Martin, and industry partnerships—including BWXT, Aerojet Rocketdyne, and IX (a joint venture of Intuitive Machines and X-Energy)—are expected to compete for the next stage.
Recent Progress and Technology
The Fission Surface Power project began awarding $5 million initial design contracts in 2022, with several partners building on advanced microreactor concepts. Recent NASA briefings confirm promising early-phase results, and further awards were announced in January 2025 to propel research and development.
The nuclear reactor technology under consideration is distinct from terrestrial reactors. These compact systems are engineered to require no crew, operate remotely, and withstand extreme lunar temperature swings.
What’s Next?
- Open solicitation for Phase 2 of the project launches in 2025, when NASA will select the final commercial design.
- If development proceeds as planned, launch, lunar landing, and on-site demonstration will follow in the early 2030s.
- Success could mean not just powering moon bases, but laying the groundwork for similar technology on Mars and beyond.
Why This Matters
This milestone sets the stage for a new era of lunar exploration, promising advanced science, exploration, and even resource utilization on the moon. With the US aiming to take the technological lead, this project is one to watch over the next few years.
Key Points at a Glance:
- US expedite plan for nuclear reactor on the moon, with announcement expected this week.
- Reactor designs: minimum of 40kW output, 10-year lifespan, lightweight and autonomous.
- Industry proposals due in 60 days.
- Ongoing Artemis program to land astronauts by 2027 increases urgency.
- Global competition from China shaping pace and urgency of project.
The race is on for the first nuclear reactor on the moon.
Have thoughts or questions about the US plan to fast-track a moon nuclear reactor? Share your views in the comments and join the conversation about the next giant leap in space exploration.