NASA and DOE Plan Lunar Nuclear Power Systems

NASA, alongside the U.S. Department of Energy, is set to design and implement nuclear fission power systems on the moon within the next four years. This initiative aims to create a sustainable human presence on the lunar surface and lay the groundwork for future Mars exploration.

The planned nuclear reactors will provide consistent and reliable electricity, independent of solar energy. They are engineered to endure extreme temperatures and the moon’s unique day-night cycle. These reactors are expected to generate around 100 kilowatts of power and function for years without needing refueling, enabling scientific experiments, habitation, and infrastructure for a permanent lunar base.

“Under President Trump’s National Space Policy, we are dedicated to investing in the return to the Moon, establishing a long-term presence, and pursuing further exploration to Mars and beyond,” stated NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman.

“Nuclear power is essential to achieving these future goals. This partnership enhances collaboration between NASA and the Department of Energy, driving us toward a new era in space exploration,” he added.

NASA has been focused on developing a nuclear reactor suitable for multiple lunar bases associated with the Artemis program. An executive order titled “Securing America’s Space Advantage” directed efforts toward establishing a lunar base by 2030, with work beginning in December 2025.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright remarked, “From the Manhattan Project to Apollo, American innovation showcases our ability to achieve remarkable feats. This partnership upholds that tradition. Under President Trump’s leadership, the Department is eager to collaborate with NASA and the commercial space sector on a groundbreaking nuclear energy and space exploration project.”

Years of joint endeavors have fostered cooperation between the departments, with a memorandum of understanding streamlining design, refueling, certification, and launch processes. NASA is also collaborating with various organizations, including Westinghouse, which is integral to developing related microreactors.

In addition to Westinghouse, partnerships with companies like Lockheed Martin, Intuitive Machines, and X Energy are in place for studying nuclear fission surface power systems. The reactors will likely utilize a closed Brayton cycle for efficient energy conversion, necessary for sustained lunar operations and aligned with the commercial space industry.

This initiative supports U.S. ambitions in space exploration, particularly in light of renewed global competition, such as with China.

However, the timeline poses challenges; previous projects have seen delays due to changes in focus and technical hurdles. The goal is to finalize the reactor design by late 2029 and launch in early 2030, though specific details about deployment remain uncertain.

This development could mark a significant step in space exploration, representing the first operation of a nuclear reactor on a celestial body and opening possibilities for advanced future missions.