NASA has officially announced the successful conclusion of the initial phase in its endeavor to deploy a nuclear fission reactor on the lunar surface. This marks a significant milestone in the space agency’s strategic plans for lunar exploration and utilization of advanced energy technologies beyond Earth.
This week, NASA revealed the nearing completion of the initial phase in its ambitious initiative to construct a compact nuclear reactor on the Moon, designed to generate electricity for future lunar missions and outposts. In 2022, the space agency awarded three $5 million contracts to private firms, tasking them with developing comprehensive designs encompassing the reactor, power conversion systems, heat rejection mechanisms, power management, distribution systems, estimated costs, and a development timeline. The deployment of such a nuclear reactor aligns with NASA’s long-term vision of maintaining a sustained human presence on the Moon for at least a decade. Trudy Kortes, the program director for Technology Demonstration Missions at NASA Headquarters, emphasized the significance of showcasing a safe, clean, and reliable nuclear power source on the Moon, especially during the challenging lunar nights. Unlike solar power, which faces limitations due to the extended duration of the lunar night, a nuclear reactor positioned in permanently shadowed areas, potentially containing water ice, offers a continuous and weather-independent power solution.