Interim NASA leader Sean Duffy to reveal plans for developing a nuclear reactor on the moon

Plans for a Lunar Nuclear Reactor Accelerated

The Trump administration is pushing to speed up the construction of a nuclear reactor on the moon, as outlined in an internal memo from Sean Duffy, the acting NASA administrator and transportation secretary.

Previous explorations by the Space Agency have looked into the potential of setting up an electrically-generating reactor on the lunar surface, one capable of supporting sustained human activities there.

Duffy emphasized the urgency of advancing this crucial technology, stating it would aid in promoting a lunar economy, facilitate energy generation on Mars, and enhance national security in space. “It’s about winning the Second Space Race,” he noted.

He directed NASA to draft a proposal for a 100-kilowatt reactor, targeting a launch readiness by 2030. This follows a design contract awarded in 2022 for a smaller, 40-kilowatt reactor as part of NASA’s “Splitting Surface Power Project.”

Duffy’s memo raised concerns that if another nation, like China or Russia, establishes a reactor on the moon first, it could severely impede U.S. capabilities. His directive mandates that NASA appoint leaders for these nuclear projects and seek input from the private sector within the next two months.

NASA is tasked with identifying private spaceflight companies capable of delivering these reactors to the moon by 2030, coinciding with China’s planned manned lunar mission.

Last month, President Trump nominated the 53-year-old Duffy to lead NASA.

Recently, Trump mentioned that these unexpected steps were part of a review regarding Isaac Man, who has made significant donations to Democratic candidates, including over $41,000 to the Democratic Senate Election Committee in October 2024.

In an interview with Sean Hannity, Duffy shared NASA’s ambitious plans: circling the moon initially and eventually establishing a base there. “We’re set to return during Trump’s presidency,” he stated, confirming plans to land on the moon within the next year as a precursor to future missions to Mars.