Moon Reactor Mission by 2030

NASA, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), announced plans to develop a nuclear fission surface power system on the Moon by 2030. This ambitious project, part of the Artemis campaign, aims to support future missions to Mars and enhance the U.S.’s leadership in space exploration, security, and commerce.

The announcement was made following a recently signed memorandum of understanding between NASA and DOE, reinforcing a partnership that has spanned over five decades. This initiative not only aligns with President Trump’s America First Space Policy but also promises to position the United States as a leader in space technology and exploration. The lunar surface reactor is expected to produce a safe, efficient, and plentiful supply of electrical power, capable of operating years without refueling and independent of lunar environmental conditions such as sunlight or temperature.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman emphasized the strategic importance of nuclear power in achieving the goals set under the national space policy. “Harnessing nuclear power is essential for the next giant leap in space exploration,” Isaacman stated. The project promises to enable sustained lunar missions and potentially support future endeavors on Mars. U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright highlighted the historical success of American science and innovation, drawing parallels with monumental projects like the Manhattan Project and the Apollo Mission. This lunar reactor project aims to be one of the greatest technical achievements in the fields of nuclear energy and space exploration, continuing a legacy of groundbreaking advancements.