NASA Races to Put Nuclear Reactors on the Moon and Mars

The US government is pushing ahead with plans to deploy nuclear reactors on the Moon and Mars, with the goal of putting the first system on the Moon by 2030.

In a July 31 directive, Secretary of Transportation and Acting Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Sean Duffy, asked the agency to accelerate progress to serve the future lunar economy , provide large-scale electricity on Mars and enhance national security in space.

The reactor is expected to generate at least 100 kilowatts of electricity and be ready to launch to the Moon by late 2029.

NASA will appoint a program manager and select two companies within six months of the solicitation.

Minister Duffy stressed that this is an important step to compete with China and Russia in the space race.

Previously, in November 2022, Russia and China signed a cooperation agreement to build the International Lunar Science Station (ISLS) in 2033-2035, which includes plans to deploy a nuclear power facility. Russia also aims to build a new orbital station after the International Space Station (ISS) is decommissioned in 2030.

Energia Rocket and Space Corporation plans to launch the first module in 2027, aiming to complete construction of the station in orbit by 2032.

The US plan is part of a push to prioritize manned programs under President Donald Trump, while cutting funding for climate research, autonomous exploration and aviation technology.

Since 2000, NASA has invested $200 million in developing small, lightweight fission nuclear power systems, but none are ready for space.

The latest effort is in 2023, when the US completes three research contracts worth $5 million to develop a reactor that can provide 40 kilowatts of electricity - enough to continuously operate 30 households for 10 years./.

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/nasa-chay-dua-dua-lo-phan-ung-hat-nhan-len-mat-trang-va-sao-hoa-post1053975.vnp