Why Does The US Want Nuclear Power On The Moon? | Explained

Last Updated:January 15, 2026, 11:05 IST

NASA and the US Department of Energy plan to deploy a nuclear fission reactor on the Moon by 2030, powering Artemis missions and future Mars exploration

NASA and the DOE have worked together for more than 50 years, particularly in space technology and national security. (AP)

The United States has moved closer to deploying a nuclear fission reactor on the Moon, accelerating plans that would mark a significant shift in space exploration and long-term extraterrestrial presence. NASA and the US Department of Energy (DOE) have formally advanced a joint programme to develop a nuclear fission surface power system, with the aim of placing it on the lunar surface by the end of the decade.

The announcement comes amid growing geopolitical competition in space, particularly as China, in collaboration with Russia, steps up work on its own lunar nuclear reactor project.

Powering Artemis And Future Mars Missions

The initiative forms a critical part of NASA’s Artemis programme and is seen as foundational for future human missions to Mars. The partnership between NASA and the DOE has been formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aimed at establishing a reliable and scalable energy infrastructure to support sustained human and robotic operations on the Moon.

US officials say dependable power generation will be essential for maintaining habitats, scientific instruments, communication systems, and future industrial activity on the lunar surface.

Reactor Deployment Planned By 2030

NASA and the DOE are jointly working towards deploying the nuclear reactor by 2030. The agencies are also examining the potential use of nuclear power systems both on the Moon and in lunar orbit. Officials have underscored that nuclear fission power will be central to building lunar infrastructure, enabling extended missions, and reinforcing US leadership in space exploration and commercial space activity.

NASA’s Lunar And Martian Goals

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman stressed the strategic importance of nuclear technology in space, linking it directly to national policy priorities. “Under President Trump’s national space policy, America is committed to returning to the moon, building the infrastructure to stay, and making the investments required for the next giant leap to Mars and beyond," he said, adding that achieving that required “harnessing nuclear power".

He added that the agreement would enable closer coordination between NASA and the DOE, opening what he described as a new era of space exploration and scientific discovery.

How The Lunar Power System Will Work

The proposed fission surface power system is designed to deliver stable and continuous electricity for years without the need for refuelling. Unlike solar power, it will operate uninterrupted during the Moon’s long nights and withstand extreme temperature variations.

NASA says the system will ensure round-the-clock power availability, a key requirement for sustained lunar missions and permanent installations.

‘Greatest Technical Achievement’

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright placed the project within a broader historical context of American scientific achievement. “History shows that when American science and innovation come together, from the Manhattan Project to the Apollo Mission, our nation leads the world to reach new frontiers once thought impossible," he said.

He added that the DOE was “proud to work with NASA and the commercial space industry on what will be one of the greatest technical achievements in the history of nuclear energy and space exploration".

50 Years Of Collaboration Behind The Mission

NASA and the DOE have worked together for more than 50 years, particularly in space technology and national security. That experience will now underpin efforts to develop, fuel, license, and deploy a nuclear reactor on the Moon. Officials say the collaboration will streamline regulatory approvals and technical development, reducing risks associated with operating nuclear systems beyond Earth.

The US strategy centres on using the Moon as a testing ground for deep-space exploration. By establishing a reliable energy source on the lunar surface, NASA aims to strengthen both human and robotic missions while laying the groundwork for eventual crewed missions to Mars.

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