White House Targets 20-Kilowatt Space Reactors by 2028, Moon Deployment by 2030

3 articles · Updated · The Indian Express · Oct 1

A White House memorandum set goals for 20-kilowatt nuclear reactors in orbit by 2028 and on the Moon by 2030, aiming to support sustained lunar and deep-space missions.
Solar power weakens farther from the Sun and struggles through long lunar nights and permanently shadowed regions, making compact nuclear systems attractive for continuous power.
Fission reactors are being developed for higher-power uses such as lunar habitats, life support and communications, while nuclear propulsion could cut Mars travel times and improve cargo efficiency.
NASA already plans at least 100 kilowatts of lunar fission power by early fiscal 2030, and China and Russia have separately outlined a mid-2030s reactor for their joint lunar station.
Existing rules cover liability and basic safety, but gaps remain for newer high-power reactors and propulsion systems, raising pressure for updated international standards and cooperation.