05 Aug , 18:00
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NASA launches ambitious project to build a nuclear reactor on the Moon as part of space rivalry with China and Russia
The Federal Space Agency NASA has announced decisive plans to create a nuclear reactor on the lunar surface, aiming to get ahead of China and Russia in a new round of the space race, reports Politico.
NASA's official directive emphasizes the strategic importance of the project: the reactor is necessary to prevent potential monopolization of lunar territories by competing powers. Of particular concern are joint Russian-Chinese plans to install their own reactor on the Moon by the mid-2030s.
"The first country to do this could potentially declare a zone closed to others, which would significantly hinder the ability of the United States to implement the planned presence under the Artemis program if we are not there first," the directive states, referring to existing plans for lunar exploration and preparation for missions to Mars.
Sean Duffy, acting NASA administrator, who also holds the position of US Secretary of Transportation, has instructed the agency to approach industrial companies for proposals to develop a powerful reactor with indicators of at least 100 kilowatts.
According to the document, NASA is required to appoint a responsible project manager and receive proposals from industry within 60 days. NASA plans to contract with at least two companies within six months after the request for proposals. Among the companies that have responded to the demand in this area are Axiom Space, Vast, and Blue Origin. However, in recent months, lawmakers have expressed concern that the agency is not moving fast enough to provide them with the necessary funding.
Plans to build a nuclear reactor on the Moon align with the priorities of President Donald Trump's administration in the field of human spaceflight. The White House previously proposed increasing funding for manned programs for 2026, despite sharp cuts in other areas, including an almost 50 percent reduction in the budget for scientific missions.
Recall that in January 2024, NASA postponed the flight to the Moon. New dates were announced for the first crewed mission around the Moon: Artemis II - September 2025, for Artemis III - September 2026. This mission plans to land the first astronauts near the South Pole of the Moon. Artemis IV - the first mission to the lunar space station "Lunar Gateway" - is scheduled for 2028.
