Overview

• Sean Duffy has directed NASA to solicit industry proposals for a 100 kilowatt lunar nuclear reactor slated for launch by 2030.
• The directive mandates appointment of a project lead within 30 days, followed by industry proposal submissions within 60 days.
• NASA will replace the aging International Space Station with at least two commercially operated stations by 2030, awarding contracts within six months of its request for proposals.
• The accelerated timeline responds to a China-Russia joint plan that could establish “keep-out zones” to inhibit U.S. lunar operations.
• This effort triples earlier 40 kW reactor concepts under NASA’s Fission Surface Power program to provide continuous power through two-week lunar nights.