NASA's acting administrator Sean Duffy has directed the agency to expedite the development of a nuclear reactor for the moon, which will provide at least 100 kilowatts of power, sufficient for sustainable lunar operations. This directive replaces previous initiatives that sought less powerful reactors producing only 40 kilowatts. Duffy emphasized the importance of launching these reactors by late 2029, with tasks to appoint an overseer and solicit proposals set within 30 and 60 days, respectively. Long lunar nights and cold temperatures make nuclear energy an attractive option for operations on the lunar surface.
The space agency's acting administrator Sean Duffy has issued a directive to expedite building a nuclear reactor on the lunar surface, aiming for 100 kilowatts of power.
Duffy's directive is significantly more ambitious than previous efforts, calling for reactors to be ready for launch by late 2029, and to sustain lunar operations.
NASA has pursued various projects for nuclear reactors to support space science, but recent contracts were limited to designs for 40-kilowatt reactors.
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