Acting NASA Administrator and U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has unveiled a major initiative to fast-track the construction of a 100 kW nuclear reactor on the lunar surface, targeting deployment by 2030—a move intended to secure U.S. leadership in the emerging second space race against China and Russia
Fast‑Track Strategy & Policy Push
In charge for just weeks, Duffy has set aggressive milestones: NASA must appoint a project lead, solicit industry proposals within 60 days, and finalize contracts with at least two companies. This directive builds on NASA’s existing “Fission Surface Power” program but expands power output to 100 kW—more than twice the original 40 kW design programmed under Artemis
Background: From 40 kW to 100 kW
NASA and the Department of Energy previously awarded $5 million Phase 1 design contracts in 2022 to Lockheed Martin, Westinghouse, and IX (X‑Energy/Intuitive Machines) for initial 40 kW reactor concepts capable of powering lunar habitats for 10 years
The reactor must weigh under 6,000 kg (~13,200 lbs), fit within a 12‑foot cylinder, and function autonomously for a full decade
Why Nuclear Power Matters for Lunar Missions
The ability to operate continuously through the 14‑day lunar night and in permanently shadowed craters near the Moon’s south pole is essential. Solar panels alone cannot meet this demand. A higher‑output nuclear system would support rovers, science labs, mining, and long-duration habitats—including future Mars mission prep
Strategic Implications & U.S. Leadership
Duffy framed the reactor program as part of a broader strategic effort: building critical space infrastructure to counter rival nation efforts and prevent the establishment of lunar “keep-out zones.” This is positioned as a security as well as scientific imperative to reinvigorate U.S. lunar leadership under Artemis and beyond
Next Steps & Timeline
NASA anticipates launching a solicitation for Phase 2 in 2025, which will select flight-qualified industry partners. If all goes to plan, the reactor could be on a pad and ready for delivery to the Moon in the early 2030s, culminating in a decade-scale deployment for sustained lunar operations
Conclusion
With accelerated directives and reinforced urgency from new leadership, NASA’s move to fast‑track a 100 kW lunar reactor signals a pivotal shift in space policy. The project promises to provide reliable power for future lunar infrastructure, secure energy independence in deep space, and assert U.S. dominance in the new space age.
