The announcement arrived without technical diagrams or timelines laid out in detail. Instead, it came through a renewed agreement. On Tuesday, NASA and the US Department of Energy confirmed they are continuing their partnership to research and develop a fission surface power system for use on the Moon. NASA’s Artemis campaign and future Mars missions tie the work together. A newly signed memorandum of understanding formalises this collaboration. The agreement supports the development of a lunar surface reactor, with a stated goal of deployment by 2030. Officials described the effort as part of a broader national space policy. The focus remains on power generation that can support long-term missions beyond Earth. The agencies presented the announcement as a continuation rather than a departure.
NASA and the Department of Energy are planning to build a nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030
The memorandum of understanding reinforces a partnership that has existed for more than five decades. NASA and the Department of Energy have worked together previously on space exploration, technology development, and national security efforts. This agreement outlines cooperation in research, development, authorisation, and readiness for the launch of a lunar surface reactor.According to the agencies, the agreement aligns with President Trump’s national space policy. That policy includes plans to deploy nuclear reactors on the Moon and in orbit. The stated objective is to ensure the United States leads in space exploration and commerce. The document does not outline specific technical milestones but confirms shared responsibilities between the two agencies.
Nuclear power is being pursued for long-term lunar missions
NASA and the Department of Energy say the planned fission surface power system would provide safe, efficient, and plentiful electrical power. The system is expected to operate for years without the need to refuel. This capability is essential for future sustained lunar missions.The agencies emphasised that the reactor would provide continuous and abundant power. This includes operation regardless of sunlight or temperature. No further operational details were provided in the announcement. The description remained focused on the role of power generation in supporting long-duration missions on the lunar surface.
Artemis and Mars are connected
The lunar reactor project is positioned within the Artemis campaign. NASA stated that the effort also supports future missions to Mars. The announcement framed the reactor as part of the infrastructure required to return to the Moon and remain there.NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said the national space policy commits the United States to building infrastructure on the Moon and making investments needed for future missions to Mars and beyond. He stated that achieving this future requires the use of nuclear power. According to Isaacman, the agreement allows closer collaboration between NASA and the Department of Energy to deliver necessary capabilities.
The America First Space Policy
US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright described the agreement as a continuation of a historical pattern of collaboration in American science and innovation. He referenced past efforts such as the Manhattan Project and the Apollo Mission as examples of national leadership in technical achievement.Wright said the department is proud to work with NASA and the commercial space industry on the development of the lunar reactor. He described the project as a major technical achievement in nuclear energy and space exploration. He attributed the effort to President Trump’s leadership and the America First Space Policy.The agencies stated that the joint effort builds on more than 50 years of collaboration. The announcement concluded by reaffirming shared goals around exploration, technology development, and national security.
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