The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) are chartering a course to develop a fission surface power system on the Moon by 2030.
According to federal officials, the nuclear reactor would play an essential role for future NASA missions, both for lunar operations and Mars missions. The administration has maintained a stance on advancing space innovation and development since President Trump’s first term, culminating in an agreement to further deploy reactors on the Moon and in orbit.
Deployment of a fission surface power system on the Moon would provide a reliable means of generating power for years to come without relying on frequent refueling, according to officials. Potential lunar missions have long been stymied by a lack of available, dependable power for long periods of time. With a reactor in place, NASA would be able to sustain these missions with continuous, abundant power without being concerned about sunlight or temperature.
“America is committed to returning to the Moon, building the infrastructure to stay, and making the investments required for the next giant leap to Mars and beyond,” said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. “Achieving this future requires harnessing nuclear power. This agreement enables closer collaboration between NASA and the Department of Energy to deliver the capabilities necessary to usher in the Golden Age of space exploration and discovery.”
NASA is currently developing new technologies and designing future missions to establish permanent mission sites on both the Moon and Mars. The agency has made significant progress toward these goals largely due to operations and collaboration efforts aboard the International Space Station. Federal officials anticipate the planned Artemis missions – through commercial and international partnerships – as the first step in establishing a long-term presence on the Moon.
Photo by Votso Sothu from Pexels
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