The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and NASA are taking a giant leap forward with their bold vision of putting a nuclear reactor on the moon.
In a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the two agencies strengthened their decades-long partnership to develop nuclear fission surface power systems that could power lunar missions and, ultimately, future Mars exploration.
This effort represents more than just scientific ambition. This is a statement of American leadership in space exploration that ensures the United States remains at the forefront of extraterrestrial energy and technology.
Officials predict that the first lunar nuclear reactor could be operational as early as 2030, ushering in a new era of continued human presence beyond Earth.
Commenting on his sci-fi ambitions, Jared Isaacman said, “America is committed to returning to the moon, building the infrastructure to stay there, and making the investments needed to take our next big leap to Mars and beyond.”
Achieving this future requires the use of nuclear power. This agreement enables closer collaboration between NASA and the Department of Energy to provide the capabilities needed to usher in a golden age of space exploration and discovery. ”
Read our recent interview with Coventry University nuclear expert Professor Michael Fitzpatrick to find out why and how the US will build a nuclear reactor on the moon.
Why does the moon need nuclear power?
The moon is a harsh and unforgiving environment. Two weeks of nights, frigid temperatures, and frequent sandstorms make relying solely on solar energy unreliable. That’s where the moon’s nuclear reactor comes into play.
Unlike solar panels, the lunar nuclear reactor can operate uninterrupted day and night, providing continuous, high-density power.
This energy could support habitats, scientific equipment, communication networks, and even resource extraction, essentially making permanent lunar exploration missions possible.
DOE and NASA leverage more than 50 years of cooperation in nuclear research and space innovation, collaborating at every step of the process, from design and fuel development to certification and launch preparation.
U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright added, “History shows that from the Manhattan Project to the Apollo program, American science and innovation come together to lead the world to new heights once thought impossible.
“This agreement continues that tradition. Our Department is proud to collaborate with NASA and the commercial space industry on what will be one of the greatest technological achievements in the history of nuclear energy and space exploration.”
Global competition for lunar energy
The United States is not the only country researching nuclear fission power generation on the Moon.
Countries around the world are researching lunar nuclear reactors as a reliable energy solution to one of space exploration’s toughest challenges.
Small and compact reactors can overcome the lunar long nights and extreme conditions, providing an energy-dense solution for long-term missions and lunar bases.
For many, the month is just the beginning. Mastering nuclear power off-world opens the door to deeper space missions, including manned trips to Mars.
Developing nuclear reactors on the moon allows countries to demonstrate technological leadership on the final frontier while reducing their dependence on Earth-based supply chains.
Driving the future of space exploration
The DOE-NASA initiative is a vision for the future.
The moon’s nuclear reactor does more than just keep the lights on. It will enable sustained lunar exploration, advance scientific discovery, and solidify America’s role as a leader in space innovation.
The countdown to the moon’s energy independence has begun.
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