Overview
- NASA and the Department of Energy signed a memorandum of understanding committing to research, develop, fuel, authorize, and ready a fission surface power system for lunar deployment by 2030.
- The agreement also envisions deploying nuclear reactors in orbit on a similar timeline, aligning with current U.S. space policy priorities.
- Officials say the lunar reactor is intended to provide continuous electrical power regardless of sunlight or temperature to enable sustained Artemis missions.
- The agencies state the system is expected to operate for years without refueling, but the announcement offered no detailed technical milestones or design specifics.
- Leaders cited a December executive order calling for at least one lunar reactor by 2030, and emphasized decades of NASA‑DOE collaboration and engagement with commercial partners to meet the accelerated schedule.