NASA’s interim administrator Sean Duffy has called for the United States to establish a nuclear reactor on the lunar surface by 2030 as part of a new push to create a sustained human presence on the moon. The move is aimed at securing energy independence and beating China in the space race, with the ultimate goal of claiming the “best” part of the moon for America.
According to Duffy, a 100-kilowatt nuclear reactor would produce enough energy to power an average U.S. household for three days, making it an ideal solution for powering a crewed outpost on the lunar surface. The reactor’s deployment is necessary due to the limited solar power capabilities during the lunar night, which lasts two weeks.
Duffy downplayed concerns about the safety of launching a nuclear reactor, stating that it would not be launched live and would instead be used as a stationary source of energy. He also compared his agency’s Artemis program to the historic Apollo mission, noting that while many people are familiar with Apollo, fewer know about Artemis.
The initiative is part of NASA’s efforts to return human explorers to the moon by 2027 with its Artemis 3 mission, which aims to establish a sustainable presence on the lunar surface. With China also vying for dominance in the space race, Duffy’s call for nuclear reactor deployment underscores the importance of securing energy independence and claiming the best parts of the moon for American interests.
Source: https://www.space.com/astronomy/moon/we-want-to-get-there-first-and-claim-that-for-america-nasa-chief-explains-push-for-nuclear-reactor-on-the-moon-video