NASA Plans Lunar Nuclear Reactor by 2030 Amid Space Race

NASA is reportedly preparing to launch a directive this week to build a 100-kilowatt nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030, aiming to secure U.S. dominance in space as competition with China and Russia intensifies, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency

According to documents obtained by Politico, the agency will seek proposals from private companies for a reactor to support future crewed missions. NASA is expected to name a program lead and start consultations with industry within 60 days.

“This is about winning the second space race,” a senior NASA official said anonymously.

The reactor project coincides with China’s plans to send its first astronaut to the Moon around 2030. The documents warn that the first nation to establish a reactor could claim exclusive zones, restricting access for others.

While NASA has previously funded smaller-scale nuclear concepts, the current plan marks a significant leap. However, proposed budget cuts from the Trump administration — reducing NASA’s funding from $24.8 billion to $18.8 billion — raise concerns over how the project will be financed and whether it will divert funds from other space science initiatives.