The moon rises over the earth shortly before sunrise, as seen from the space shuttle Columbia during NASA’s STS-52 mission, October 1992. The shuttle is orbiting Earth at an altitude of 285 km over Lake Tanganyika in central Africa. The sun is just below the horizon, and the brown layer marks the tropical tropopause (Image via Getty)
NASA, along with the U.S. Department of Energy, announced a joint plan on January 13, 2026, to develop a fission surface power system for the Moon, with the goal of launching it in 2030.
The primary purpose of this system is to deliver uninterrupted electric power for the planned lunar operations, thereby supporting the Artemis missions and facilitating further Mars exploration.
Through signing a memorandum of understanding, the agencies confirmed their cooperation, which has been going on for more than fifty years in areas like space exploration, technology development and national security initiatives.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman stated,
“Achieving this future requires harnessing nuclear power. This agreement enables closer collaboration between NASA and the Department of Energy to deliver the capabilities necessary to usher in the Golden Age of space exploration and discovery.”
NASA and DOE Plan Lunar Nuclear Reactor by 2030
Objectives of the Lunar Nuclear Reactor
The lunar surface reactor will be designed to operate for years without requiring refueling, while providing safe and reliable power.
NASA and DOE anticipate that the fission system will sustain electrical output independent of sunlight or temperature fluctuations, supporting sustained lunar missions and scientific operations.
The project aligns with President Donald Trump’s national space policy, which directs the United States to establish a permanent presence on the Moon by 2030 and to use nuclear power for advanced space missions, including lunar and orbital reactors.
U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright highlighted the historical significance of such collaborations:
“History shows that when American science and innovation come together, from the Manhattan Project to the Apollo Mission, our nation leads the world to reach new frontiers once thought impossible. This agreement continues that legacy.”
Policy Framework and Implementation
The lunar nuclear reactor project is part of a larger plan signed on December 18, 2025, emphasizing American space leadership.
The plan highlights priorities such as returning humans to the Moon by 2028, establishing initial elements of a permanent lunar outpost by 2030 and enabling near-term utilization of space nuclear power, including deployment of lunar surface reactors.
The Executive Order specifies that the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology shall coordinate the overall implementation of the space nuclear power policy within specified timelines.
The strategy includes coordination among NASA, DOE, and other federal agencies through the Office of the President’s Assistant for Science and Technology.
It also addresses potential technology, supply chain, or industrial gaps in achieving lunar nuclear deployment objectives.
The directives further define the use of commercial solutions and regulatory pathways to support the development and integration of the reactor.
Technical and Operational Goals
NASA and DOE have developed a fission surface power system for the future that would supply uninterrupted electrical power to scientific instruments, habitat modules and lunar infrastructure from the very start of deployment, including fuel development, authorization and readiness for launch.
The public power developed by the lunar system was designed to be reliable for sustained lunar operations, as NASA and DOE expect it to run for years on a single fueling.
The White House directive further points towards the direction of commercializing the industry, infrastructure and standards that would make lunar operations greener.
These measures are intended not only to maintain but also to strengthen the U.S. position in space exploration, thereby making it possible for future NASA missions, such as Artemis and Mars missions.
The project represents a structured plan for lunar nuclear power, with emphasis on interagency coordination, regulatory compliance and technological readiness.
The 2030 target for nuclear reactor deployment is specified in the signed agreements and official policy statements.
Stay tuned for more updates.
