NASA and the U.S. Department of Energy on Tuesday announced a renewed commitment to developing a nuclear fission power system for use on the Moon, a move aimed at supporting long-term lunar exploration under the Artemis program and future missions to Mars.Related video above: Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy discusses NASA’s plans for nuclear power on the MoonThe agencies recently signed a memorandum of understanding that formalizes continued collaboration on a lunar surface reactor, with a goal of deploying the system by 2030. The reactor would provide continuous electrical power for missions on the Moon, regardless of sunlight or extreme temperature swings.NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said nuclear power will be essential to sustaining a long-term human presence beyond Earth.”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,” Isaacman said. “Achieving this future requires harnessing nuclear power.”The fission surface power system is designed to produce safe, efficient and reliable electricity for years without refueling, officials said. Such capability would allow astronauts and robotic systems to operate continuously during the lunar night, which can last up to two weeks.Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the effort builds on decades of cooperation between the two agencies and reflects the role of nuclear technology in major U.S. scientific achievements.”History shows that when American science and innovation come together, from the Manhattan Project to the Apollo missions, our nation leads the world to reach new frontiers once thought impossible,” Wright said.Industry partners signaled support for the initiative following the announcement. Lockheed Martin Space said in a post on X that fission surface power would serve as “the foundation of a modular lunar grid that can grow to meet evolving mission demands,” adding that the company has invested significant research and development into advancing the technology.The joint effort includes developing, fueling, authorizing and preparing a lunar reactor for launch. NASA and the Energy Department have worked together for more than 50 years on space exploration technologies, including radioisotope power systems used on deep-space missions.Officials said the renewed partnership is intended to strengthen U.S. leadership in space exploration, technology development and national security as NASA prepares for sustained operations on the Moon and eventual crewed missions to Mars.
NASA and the U.S. Department of Energy on Tuesday announced a renewed commitment to developing a nuclear fission power system for use on the Moon, a move aimed at supporting long-term lunar exploration under the Artemis program and future missions to Mars.
Related video above: Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy discusses NASA’s plans for nuclear power on the Moon
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The agencies recently signed a memorandum of understanding that formalizes continued collaboration on a lunar surface reactor, with a goal of deploying the system by 2030. The reactor would provide continuous electrical power for missions on the Moon, regardless of sunlight or extreme temperature swings.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said nuclear power will be essential to sustaining a long-term human presence beyond Earth.
“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,” Isaacman said. “Achieving this future requires harnessing nuclear power.”
The fission surface power system is designed to produce safe, efficient and reliable electricity for years without refueling, officials said. Such capability would allow astronauts and robotic systems to operate continuously during the lunar night, which can last up to two weeks.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the effort builds on decades of cooperation between the two agencies and reflects the role of nuclear technology in major U.S. scientific achievements.
“History shows that when American science and innovation come together, from the Manhattan Project to the Apollo missions, our nation leads the world to reach new frontiers once thought impossible,” Wright said.
Industry partners signaled support for the initiative following the announcement. Lockheed Martin Space said in a post on X that fission surface power would serve as “the foundation of a modular lunar grid that can grow to meet evolving mission demands,” adding that the company has invested significant research and development into advancing the technology.
The joint effort includes developing, fueling, authorizing and preparing a lunar reactor for launch. NASA and the Energy Department have worked together for more than 50 years on space exploration technologies, including radioisotope power systems used on deep-space missions.
Officials said the renewed partnership is intended to strengthen U.S. leadership in space exploration, technology development and national security as NASA prepares for sustained operations on the Moon and eventual crewed missions to Mars.
