The US really wants a nuclear reactor on the moon by 2030. 'Achieving this future requires harnessing nuclear power,' NASA chief says

Space.comTuesday, January 13, 2026 at 11:01:35 PM
PositiveScience
The US really wants a nuclear reactor on the moon by 2030. 'Achieving this future requires harnessing nuclear power,' NASA chief says
  • NASA and the U.S. Department of Energy have reaffirmed their commitment to develop a nuclear reactor on the moon by 2030, a significant step in advancing lunar exploration and energy sustainability. This initiative aims to support future missions and enhance the feasibility of long-term human presence on the lunar surface.
  • The establishment of a nuclear reactor on the moon is crucial for NASA as it aligns with the agency's broader goals of sustainable exploration and reducing reliance on Earth-based resources, thereby facilitating deeper space missions.
  • This development occurs amid increasing competition in space exploration, particularly with nations like China making substantial advancements. The urgency expressed by former NASA officials highlights the need for the U.S. to accelerate its lunar plans to maintain leadership in space, while the upcoming Artemis 2 mission signifies a renewed commitment to returning humans to the moon.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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