NASA Wants to Put Nuclear Reactors on the Moon

The White House has issued new federal guidance for a space nuclear roadmap, targeting a medium-power reactor in orbit by 2028 and a larger lunar reactor by 2030.

NASA, the Pentagon, and the Energy Department will split responsibilities for development, fuel, safety, and building U.S. industrial capacity.

The reactors are intended to provide dependable power and propulsion for long-duration lunar and deep-space missions.

The plan also reflects growing U.S.-China competition over space infrastructure and future space dominance.