NASA Accelerates Plans for Nuclear Moon Base to Keep Pace with China and Russia in Lunar Exploration Race

NASA Acting Administrator Sean Duffy has instructed the space agency to accelerate plans for installing a nuclear reactor on the moon, aiming to maintain the US’s leadership in lunar exploration amid growing competition from China and Russia.

According to a July 31 directive obtained by CNN, the US must expedite efforts to place a nuclear reactor on the lunar surface to support long-term human exploration missions. Both China and Russia have announced plans to develop such a project by the mid-2030s, posing a potential threat to US aspirations for establishing a sustained presence on the moon through NASA’s Artemis program.

The installation of a nuclear reactor could prevent other countries from declaring “keep-out zones” that might hinder US lunar exploration efforts. The Artemis III mission, scheduled for 2027, aims to return humans to the moon after more than five decades, but several milestones must be achieved first.

At a press conference on Tuesday, Duffy emphasized the need for energy resources to establish a permanent lunar base: “We’re in a race to the moon, competing with China to establish a presence there.”

Duffy has also ordered an executive to lead the nuclear reactor project within 30 days. Politico was first to report on the new directive.

NASA has previously collaborated on similar projects with the Department of Energy and others, including a fission surface power project that could provide the moon with at least 40 kilowatts of continuous power – enough for 30 households over a decade.

While a nuclear reactor would facilitate long-term stays on the moon, the exact timeline for establishing a lunar base remains undetermined. Lunar surface power requirements are estimated to be at least 100kWe for sustained human operations.

Duffy highlighted the importance of energy resources for both sustaining life on the moon and future missions to Mars: “Energy is vital, and this technology is crucial if we’re to sustain life on the moon and ultimately reach Mars.”

The directive marks Duffy’s first major initiative since his appointment as NASA’s acting administrator in July. Critics have questioned his ability to balance this role alongside his duties as Secretary of Transportation, an agency that has faced challenges with aviation safety incidents over the past year.

In addition, Duffy issued a second directive last Thursday that could expedite the creation of a commercial space station to replace the aging International Space Station, which is expected to be retired by 2030. NASA plans to seek new proposals within 60 days and award contracts to at least two companies within six months following the agency’s request for proposals. The directive also introduces flexibility into the contract award process.