NASA’s Lunar Nuclear Reactor Plan

NASA is set to fast-track the development of a nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030 as part of the US ambition to establish a permanent human base on the lunar surface.

• The lunar reactor, smaller than onshore wind turbines (2–3 MW), is seen as critical for supporting a future lunar economy, energy needs on Mars, and US national security in space.
• China and Russia have announced plans to build automated nuclear stations on the Moon by 2035, while India and Japan are also exploring long-term lunar settlement ....