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The United States is accelerating efforts to deploy nuclear reactors on both the Moon and Mars, aiming to launch the first system by the end of the decade.
A recent directive from NASA, first reported by Politico on Tuesday, mandates the appointment of a nuclear power czar to choose two commercial proposals within six months, presenting this initiative as vital to surpassing a cooperative Chinese-Russian venture.
The memo, signed by acting NASA administrator Sean Duffy, who also serves as the US Transportation Secretary, was issued on July 31 and signifies the agency’s shift towards emphasising human space exploration over scientific research during President Donald Trump’s second term.
“Since March 2024, China and Russia have announced on at least three occasions a joint effort to place a reactor on the Moon by the mid-2030s,” it says.
“The first country to do so could potentially declare a keep-out zone which would significantly inhibit the United States from establishing a planned Artemis presence if not there first.”
The concept of utilising nuclear energy beyond Earth is not a recent development. Since the year 2000, NASA has dedicated $200 million to the advancement of small, lightweight fission power systems; however, none have achieved flight readiness, as indicated in the directive.
The latest initiative took place in 2023, involving the completion of three industry study contracts worth $5 million each, which concentrated on producing 40 kilowatts of power—sufficient to sustainably supply 30 households for a decade.
In contrast to solar power, fission systems can function continuously, which is crucial during the protracted lunar nights or Martian dust storms. Technological improvements have resulted in these systems becoming more compact and lighter.
NASA formally pledged to adopt nuclear power for Mars in December 2024—this decision is the first of seven essential steps for human exploration of the Red Planet.
Based on industry input, the surface power requirement should be at least 100 kilowatts to facilitate “long-term human operations including in-situ resource utilisation,” which encompasses essentials like life support, communication, and equipment for extracting surface ice.
This plan anticipates the deployment of a “heavy class lander” capable of transporting up to 15 metric tons, with a goal of being “ready to launch by the first quarter of FY30,” which translates to late 2029.
NASA’s Artemis program, aimed at returning humans to the Moon and establishing a permanent presence near the south pole, has encountered numerous setbacks. The timeline for Artemis 3, the first anticipated crewed landing, has been pushed to 2027, a target many consider unrealistic, especially since the designated lander, SpaceX’s Starship, is still far from being operational.
Meanwhile, China is aiming for its inaugural crewed mission in 2030 and has demonstrated greater success in adhering to its timelines in recent years.
