WASHINGTON: International media reports indicate that NASA has presented a fast-track plan to build a 100-kilowatt nuclear reactor or a special base on the Moon’s surface. Politico reported that NASA Administrator and U.S. Transportation Secretary Shawn Duffy, in an order dated July 31, requested NASA to collect industry proposals for this project within 60 days. This initiative is part of the United States’ efforts to establish a permanent human base on the Moon under the Artemis program, competing with China’s and Russia’s plans to deploy similar reactors by the mid-2030s. The New York Times also reported that the nuclear reactor, expected to be completed by 2029, is essential for providing continuous energy during the two-week nights on the Moon, which cannot rely on solar panels. The reactor is designed to support human operations, scientific experiments, and industrial activities, such as resource extraction on the Moon. The NASA administrator warned that if China and Russia deploy reactors quickly, they could declare a “no-go zone,” limiting U.S. participation in the Artemis program. Additionally, CNBC reported that this goal faces challenges, including a 24% budget cut in NASA’s funding by 2026 and the rejection of micro-reactors by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Despite criticisms from scientists regarding geopolitical implications and safety barriers, NASA considers this technology vital for lunar economics and Mars exploration.
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