NASA to accelerate construction of nuclear reactor on the Moon — Politico

NASA Acting Administrator Sean Duffy will announce accelerated plans to build a nuclear reactor on the moon this week, marking the former Fox News host's first major decision as head of the space agency, Politico reports.

Under the new directive, NASA plans to solicit proposals from industry to build a 100-kilowatt nuclear reactor with launch by 2030. This is a significant acceleration from previous plans for a 40-kilowatt reactor ready for launch in the early 2030s.

"It is about winning the second space race," said an anonymous NASA employee.

The decision is in competition with China, which plans to land its first astronaut on the moon around the same time. The directive states that the first country with a reactor on the moon will be able to "declare a restricted access zone, which will significantly limit the capabilities of the United States."

The initiative aligns with the Trump administration's focus on human spaceflight. The White House has proposed a budget that increases funding for human spaceflight through 2026, even as it cuts nearly 50% of funding for science missions.

In addition to the lunar reactor, Duffy also issued a directive to accelerate the replacement of the International Space Station with commercial counterparts by 2030. NASA plans to award contracts to at least two companies within six months of the request for proposals.

The agency must appoint a project manager and receive feedback from industry within 60 days. The initiative means NASA will continue to develop nuclear technologies even after the Pentagon cancels the joint nuclear rocket engine program.