US to build nuclear reactor on Moon by 2030
Photo: Artemis I mission rocket (Getty Images)
The United States plans to build a nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030 to provide power for future lunar bases under the Artemis program, according to Space.com.
NASA says that establishing a long-term human presence on Earth’s natural satellite is impossible without nuclear energy.
To that end, NASA and the US Department of Energy have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at closer interagency cooperation. The document confirms the intention to complete preparations and deliver a nuclear reactor to the surface of the Moon by the end of the decade.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman emphasized that under US national space policy, the country seeks not only to return to the Moon but also to build infrastructure for a permanent presence there, seen as a stepping stone toward future missions to Mars.
Experts note that nuclear power systems are the most effective solution for deep-space operations, as they can operate for years without refueling and do not depend on sunlight or weather conditions, unlike solar panels.
SpaceX accelerates lunar flight plans
SpaceX presented an updated, "simplified" lunar mission plan intended to shorten preparation timelines and improve crew safety.
The announcement came amid criticism from NASA over the slow pace of Starship development, the key element of the Artemis program. SpaceX’s contract with NASA, valued at over $4 billion, covers development of the Starship HLS (Human Landing System) to deliver astronauts to the Moon’s surface and return them to lunar orbit.
Elon Musk announced plans to launch Starship to Mars in late 2026, with a crewed mission potentially following a few years later. SpaceX has also deployed Project Kuiper satellites for Amazon, one of its competitors.
