Lunar Reactor-1: Fission Power on the Moon by 2030
What is NASA's plan for a nuclear reactor on the Moon, how big is it, and how realistic is the 2030 date?
Chapter summary
NASA has studied fission surface power for over a decade, with three industry concept awards in 2022 for a 40 kWe reactor under 6 tonnes.
Key takeaways
- 1
In August 2025 the then acting administrator directed a faster programme for a reactor of at least 100 kWe; a December 2025 executive order set a goal of a launch-ready lunar surface reactor by 2030; and on 8 October 2026 NASA and the Department of Energy signed an agreement on Lunar Reactor-1, the fission system meant to keep the planned Moon Base running through the lunar night.
- 2
No launch date has been set.
- 3
Russia and China plan their own lunar reactor for 2033–2035.
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Surface Power: Solar, Batteries, RTGs and Fission
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