The US plans to place a nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) plans to install a nuclear reactor on the surface of the Moon by 2030. The project is part of the Artemis program, which involves creating a permanent lunar base.

What is known

On January 13, NASA and the U.S. Department of Energy signed a memorandum of cooperation on the development and preparation for the deployment of the corresponding energy system.

"To achieve this future, nuclear power must be utilized," said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. According to him, the new agreement "paves the way for the Golden Age of space exploration."

Nuclear power systems are considered as a power source for long-term space missions, particularly on the Moon and Mars. Unlike solar panels, they can provide continuous electricity production for long periods, regardless of lighting cycles and weather conditions.

NASA has been using nuclear technologies for deep space missions for over 50 years. For example, the Curiosity and Perseverance rovers operate thanks to radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTG).

"History shows that when American science and innovation come together—from the Manhattan Project to Apollo—we open new horizons," said U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. According to him, the new memorandum "continues this tradition."