The United States, under the direction of Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy, is accelerating plans to build a 100-kilowatt nuclear fission reactor on the Moon by 2030. This initiative aims to establish a sustainable power source critical for creating a permanent lunar base and to secure U.S. presence on the Moon ahead of rival space powers China and Russia. The reactor is expected to generate enough energy to power approximately 80 homes and address the challenge of lunar nights, which last about 14 days and severely limit solar power availability. This move is part of a broader strategic effort linked to the Artemis program and reflects a renewed space race focused on territorial claims and long-term exploration capabilities. The plan has garnered industry support and has influenced nuclear-related stocks positively. However, the project faces skepticism regarding its feasibility, legal implications, and ethical concerns about lunar territorial claims. Experts note the difficulties of building new nuclear projects on Earth, raising questions about the challenges of deploying such technology on the Moon. Retired astronaut Clayton Anderson emphasized the importance of nuclear power for sustained lunar habitation and competition with China and Russia. NASA has confirmed the urgency of this project as part of maintaining U.S. leadership in space exploration.