NASA Administrator Sean Duffy has issued a directive to fast-track plans for a nuclear reactor on the moon, aiming to power future lunar exploration efforts. The move comes as China and Russia have announced plans to collaborate on similar projects by mid-2030s.
A nuclear reactor would provide energy for long-term human stays on the moon, but NASA still needs to reach several milestones before its Artemis III mission can return humans to the lunar surface in 2027. Duffy believes the US must stay ahead of rival nations, stating “we’re in a race to the moon.”
The agency plans to lead the program and has estimated that a lunar base would require at least 100kW of power for sustained human operations. NASA previously collaborated on similar projects with the Department of Energy, but this new initiative takes the technology to the next level.
Duffy’s directives also include accelerating efforts to create a commercial space station to replace the International Space Station, which is expected to be retired by 2030. The agency will seek proposals and award contracts within six months.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/08/05/politics/moon-nuclear-reactor-us-nasa