Overview
- NASA and the Department of Energy signed a memorandum of understanding on Jan. 13 to collaborate on a lunar fission surface power system.
- The agreement covers development, fueling, authorization, and launch readiness, building on more than 50 years of joint work.
- Officials say the envisioned reactor would supply continuous power for years without refueling, unaffected by sunlight or temperature extremes.
- The initiative supports Artemis and future Mars missions and aligns with President Trump’s December directive for at least one lunar reactor by 2030.
- Public materials highlight international efforts by China and Russia but provide no detailed designs, milestones, or funding breakdown for the U.S. program.