NASA and DoE Race to Deploy a Nuclear Reactor on the Moon by 2030

NASA and the USA Department of Energy (DoE) are pushing ahead with plans to place a nuclear fission reactor on the Moon by 2030. The project aims to provide a reliable power source for long-term lunar missions, as solar energy alone cannot sustain operations during the two-week lunar nights.

The initiative has gained momentum under recent leadership changes and new funding commitments, with both agencies signing a formal agreement to accelerate development. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman has called the programme a top priority, reflecting broader efforts to strengthen USA nuclear energy capabilities in space.

The push for lunar nuclear power began in earnest after President Trump's executive orders to revive the USA nuclear sector. In 2021, NASA and the DoE launched the Fission Surface Power Project, led by Los Alamos National Laboratory. By 2022, the agencies appointed new leadership and awarded three $5 million contracts to explore reactor designs.

The chosen systems must meet strict requirements: each must weigh under six metric tons, generate 40 kW of electricity, and operate for at least a decade without refuelling. Solar power, while useful, fails to deliver continuous energy during the Moon's prolonged darkness, making fission a critical alternative.

Over the past five years, the programme has expanded to include multiple partners. BWX Technologies secured a contract in 2022, while General Atomics and TerraPower contributed studies and evaluations in 2023. Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation (USNC) joined in 2024, further broadening the project's expertise. Energy Secretary Chris Wright has backed the effort, noting strong industry engagement in response to the DoE's demand for advanced nuclear solutions.

A new Memorandum of Understanding between NASA and the DoE now formalises their collaboration. The agreement outlines shared responsibilities, from technology selection to deployment, ensuring the reactor reaches the lunar surface before the decade's end.

The project marks a significant step toward sustainable lunar exploration, with a working reactor expected by 2030. The technology will provide uninterrupted power for habitats, experiments, and future missions. Both NASA and the DoE continue to refine designs and partnerships, aiming to solidify the USA position in space-based nuclear energy.