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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.

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.