NASA Gears Up to Construct Nuclear Reactor on Moon

(MENAFN) The acting head of NASA is preparing to announce a bold new initiative this week: constructing a nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030, as the United States seeks to outpace China and Russia in the intensifying battle for space supremacy.

As reported by media, internal agency documents reveal plans to solicit proposals from the private sector for a 100-kilowatt nuclear reactor intended to power extended lunar missions. This system is designed to sustain future crewed operations on the Moon’s surface.

“This is about winning the second space race,” a senior NASA official told media, requesting anonymity.

The documents indicate that NASA must appoint a program leader and initiate discussions with industry partners within 60 days.

The proposed timeline targets a 2030 launch—coinciding with China’s stated goal of landing its first astronaut on the Moon.

Although NASA had previously explored a smaller 40-kilowatt reactor, the new directive outlines a significantly more aggressive and strategic objective. The documents also caution that whichever nation is first to deploy such a reactor could claim exclusive lunar zones, potentially restricting international access.

However, the ambitious project arrives amid financial uncertainty. Proposed budget cuts under the Trump administration would slash NASA funding by nearly 25%, from $24.8 billion to $18.8 billion. That reduction casts doubt over how the nuclear effort would be financed and raises concerns about its impact on traditional space science programs.

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