NASA Aims For Nuclear Reactor On Moon By 2030 To Beat China, Russia
The envisioned system would generate at least 100 kilowatts of power, which is enough to support lunar bases, research missions, and future commercial activity.
NASA Acting Administrator Sean Duffy has urged the NASA to accelerate efforts to deploy a nuclear reactor on the Moon, emphasising the need to outpace global competitors such as China and Russia. Speaking at a recent space policy conference, Duffy described the development of lunar nuclear power as vital for advancing America's space exploration ambitions and securing its national interests in space, according to ABC News.
'It's about winning the second space race," a senior NASA official told Politico, underscoring the urgency behind the push. Duffy believes that establishing a reliable nuclear power source on the Moon will be a foundational step toward enabling long-term lunar habitation, deeper exploration of Mars, and strengthening the US foothold in space.
NASA has been directed to fast-track the development of a surface nuclear reactor with an ambitious target to have it operational on the Moon by 2030. The envisioned system would generate at least 100 kilowatts of power, which is enough to support lunar bases, research missions, and future commercial activity.
In his recent proposal, Duffy called on private aerospace and energy companies to submit reactor designs that could be tested and eventually deployed on the lunar surface. Duffy also proposed that the US should accelerate plans to replace the aging International Space Station (ISS) to maintain its leadership in orbital operations and refocus on lunar and Martian exploration. He warned that rivals like China and Russia are advancing their own plans to dominate key areas of space.
In fact, in May 2025, China and Russia announced plans to build an automated nuclear power station on the Moon by 2035, raising alarms in the US about potential 'keep-out zones" being declared on the lunar surface.
This isn't the first time NASA has invested in nuclear technology for space. In 2022, the agency awarded three contracts totalling $5 million to develop initial reactor concepts under its Fission Surface Power Project.
Duffy was appointed acting administrator in July 2025 following the retirement of former NASA Administrator Bill Nelson.
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