"The moon is going nuclear. On Tuesday NASA and the U.S. Department of Energy announced a commitment to build a fission reactor on the lunar surface. NASA has been exploring nuclear power for the moon for years, but the endeavor got a boost late last year in an order from President Donald Trump to build one to ensure American space superiority. The reactor will be capable of operating for years without the need to refuel, according to NASA."
"Nuclear power may be an ideal fuel source in the sometimes dark, cold moon environment. While many lunar landers are equipped with batteries and solar panels to keep them running for the length of their mission, they ultimately run out of fuel—either because of a lack of sunlight as the moon turns on its axis or because their batteries die. The space agency's partnership with the DOE could help speed NASA's efforts to build moon-ready reactors."
NASA and the U.S. Department of Energy committed to build a fission reactor on the lunar surface within four years. The reactor will operate for years without refueling and will supply continuous power to support Artemis missions and long-term lunar bases. The initiative received an executive order from President Donald Trump to ensure American space superiority. Nuclear power offers advantages during long lunar nights and cold conditions when solar panels and batteries fail. Partnership with the DOE aims to accelerate development of moon-ready reactors. The project will face technical, regulatory, and safety challenges before deployment.
Read at www.scientificamerican.com
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