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12h ago

NASA Launches Industry Push for 100-Kilowatt Moon Reactor and ISS Replacements

Interim chief Sean Duffy aims to secure U.S. primacy on the moon with an expedited reactor timeline linked to commercial station contracts.

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Intuitive Machines' Athena lander on top of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, launches toward the moon from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Florida, February 26, 2025.
USA's secret 'nuclear moon' plan amid fear of Russia, China winning ‘space race’
Artist’s concept of a fission power system on the lunar surface. Credit: NASA NASA

Overview

  • NASA has circulated directives to solicit industry proposals for a 100 kilowatt lunar fission reactor targeting deployment by 2030.
  • The agency is required to appoint a Fission Surface Power program lead within 30 days and gather industry input within 60 days.
  • Duffy’s parallel directive calls for formal requests for proposals and at least two contract awards to develop commercial successors to the ISS by 2030.
  • The accelerated plan replaces earlier 40 kilowatt designs and aims to preempt a China-Russia lunar reactor that could restrict U.S. access.
  • The mandates reflect a strategic pivot toward commercial partnerships to meet Artemis program goals and bolster U.S. space leadership.