The United States, through NASA, is accelerating plans to install a 100-kilowatt nuclear fission reactor on the Moon by 2030. Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy emphasized that such a power source is critical for establishing a permanent lunar base, particularly at the Moon's South Pole where solar energy is insufficient due to the 14-day lunar night. This initiative is part of the Artemis program and aims to secure U.S. dominance in the ongoing space race against rivals China and Russia. The project highlights the challenges of developing new nuclear technology on Earth while pushing for advancements in space. Industry stakeholders have expressed support, and the announcement has positively impacted nuclear-related stocks such as Oklo and BWXT. Experts note that nuclear power is essential for sustained lunar exploration and future space colonization. The plan has also sparked debate about the ethical and legal implications of deploying nuclear technology on the Moon. The U.S. government views this effort as a step toward maintaining energy independence and leadership in nuclear innovation both on Earth and in space.
Why NASA administrator Sean Duffy’s atomic directives are not that outlandish. Read more: https://t.co/z16mudg9Qu https://t.co/8kR2sJPDTS
This is a consistent point I try to make in my stories that doesn’t always get a lot of attention in mainstream reporting on nuclear power. For all the hype around the promise of SMRs, the two countries who have built anything like an SMR and who are building the most new nuclear https://t.co/dtecleoZzw
America will lead the global nuclear renaissance and secure our energy independence and prosperity for generations to come! https://t.co/ZsBRCLLoik