US to build nuclear reactor on the moon

Sean Duffy, interim NASA administrator, will announce a 100-kilowatt lunar nuclear reactor by 2030, per NASA documents. This sustains NASA’s nuclear development after the Pentagon canceled a joint nuclear rocket engine program. “The first country to have a reactor could declare a keep-out zone which would significantly inhibit the United States,” the directive states, targeting China-Russia’s lunar plans.

Appointed by Trump in July after withdrawing Jared Isaacman’s nomination amid tensions with Elon Musk, Duffy aims to outpace China’s planned 2030 lunar landing. NASA must solicit industry proposals within 60 days, targeting companies capable of meeting the timeline.