NASA plans to construct a nuclear energy facility on the lunar surface.
NASA is making significant strides in its Fission Surface Power (FSP) project, aiming to deploy a nuclear reactor on the Moon to provide reliable and continuous power for lunar operations [1][2][3]. The project is designed to create compact, low-enriched uranium nuclear reactors, which would support activities like habitats, rovers, and experiments requiring continuous energy, especially during the lunar night when solar power is unavailable.
As of August 2025, NASA is actively soliciting industry feedback to refine reactor designs, signaling advancing progress towards a demonstration and eventual deployment on the lunar surface [3]. While the potential danger of a nuclear reactor on the Moon is not mentioned in the article, it's important to note that safety measures and precautions would undoubtedly be a crucial part of the project.
Other spacefaring nations, such as the European Space Agency (ESA), Russia, and China, have not publicly disclosed comparable nuclear power plans for the Moon in this timeframe. However, China is pushing ahead with the establishment of an "International Lunar Research Station" (ILRS), designed for long-term robotic operation and human use as needed.
The greatest technical challenge in building a reactor on the moon is cooling, as there is no water or air available. To address this issue, radiation cooling will be used. The USA, like other spacefaring nations, may need a nuclear power plant for industrial operations and resource extraction in space.
In a recent report by US news site "Politico", NASA is planning to build a nuclear reactor on the moon by 2030. China is also planning a crewed lunar landing by 2030 at the latest, with a new generation of launch vehicles, a lander, and special equipment being developed. The plans have not been officially confirmed or denied by NASA.
The European Space Agency's space project manager, Markus Landgraf, believes that building a nuclear power plant on the moon is realistic. Landgraf also stated that nuclear technology has great potential but has not been implemented due to political reasons. A nuclear reactor on the moon would allow for larger areas of the moon to be explored by astronauts, as it would not require being in the polar regions with longer periods of sunlight.
Russia announced plans to build a nuclear power plant on the Moon, collaborating with China, with preparations already underway. The construction of a nuclear power plant on the Moon, specifically at the Peary lunar crater, is set to begin after the testing. Once operational, the nuclear power plant would generate energy alongside solar panels.
The International Lunar Research Station is planned to be built in two phases: a first base station at the Moon's south pole by 2035, followed by an expanded version in the 2040s. The Russian facility will first be tested on Earth and is scheduled to be sent to the Moon in 2036.
In conclusion, while the technical challenges are significant, the potential benefits of a lunar nuclear power plant are clear. NASA is leading the way in advancing fission surface power technology for sustained lunar exploration, but other nations, such as China and Russia, are also making strides in space exploration and resource extraction. The future of lunar exploration is exciting, and the development of nuclear power plants on the moon could play a crucial role in our continued journey to the stars.
References: [1] NASA (2021). Fission Surface Power. Retrieved from https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/heo/fission_surface_power/index.html [2] NASA (2021). Fission Surface Power: Nuclear Power and Propulsion for the Moon and Beyond. Retrieved from https://www.nasa.gov/feature/fission-surface-power-nuclear-power-and-propulsion-for-the-moon-and-beyond [3] NASA (2021). NASA Seeks Industry Feedback on Nuclear Power Plant for Moon. Retrieved from https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-seeks-industry-feedback-on-nuclear-power-plant-for-moon
- Despite concerns about safety, NASA's Fission Surface Power (FSP) project aims to deploy a nuclear reactor on the Moon to provide reliable energy for lunar operations, including habitats, rovers, and experiments.
- As solar power is unavailable during the lunar night, a nuclear reactor would support continuous power needs, enabling longer-term exploration of lunar regions previously inaccessible due to limited sunlight.
- The European Space Agency (ESA), Russia, and China are also pursuing space exploration and resource extraction, with China planning a crewed lunar landing and the establishment of an International Lunar Research Station, while Russia has announced plans to collaborate with China on building a nuclear power plant on the Moon.
