NASA Pushes Lunar Nuclear Reactor for 2030 as Russia-China Target Moon Power by 2036
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Oct 4
NASA Pushes Lunar Nuclear Reactor for 2030 as Russia-China Target Moon Power by 2036
2 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Oct 4
Summary
Late August brought NASA’s request for contractors to prepare a nuclear reactor that can survive launch, land near the moon’s south pole and operate without maintenance, with a December 2030 launch target.
The accelerated timetable is aimed at beating a Russia-China effort that seeks a working lunar reactor by 2036, part of a broader contest to establish the first durable moon base.
Nuclear power is central because the U.S. and China want steady energy for extracting resources such as frozen water and for supporting missions deeper into the solar system.
Scientists warn the rush carries outsized risks after multiple U.S., Chinese and Russian launch failures in the past 6 years, including a Russian lunar crash.
A reactor accident could spread radioactive debris back to Earth or contaminate parts of the moon, potentially turning whole areas into no-go zones.