The U.S. NASA, under acting Administrator Sean Duffy, is accelerating plans to build a 100-kilowatt nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030. This initiative aims to provide a sustainable power source critical for establishing a permanent lunar base and to secure American presence on the Moon ahead of rival space powers China and Russia. The reactor, intended to operate at the Moon's South Pole, would generate enough energy to power approximately 80 homes, addressing challenges posed by the lunar night when solar power is unavailable. The move is part of a broader strategic effort to maintain U.S. leadership in space exploration and compete in the renewed space race. Industry stakeholders have shown support, with related nuclear stocks experiencing gains. While international law does not prohibit peaceful nuclear use on the Moon, the deployment could influence future norms and legal interpretations of lunar activities. The plan, linked to the Artemis program, reflects a shift in NASA’s partnership approach with industry and highlights the complexities of developing new nuclear projects both on Earth and in space.