NASA plans 500-kW reactor on the Moon

NASA plans to deploy a 500-kW nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030. This power output will support the autonomous operation of a future lunar base, including living modules, communications, industrial equipment, and resource extraction. The reactor's main challenge is to be ultra-light and compact enough to be delivered by rocket, while also enduring extreme conditions: drastic temperature fluctuations, cosmic radiation, micrometeorites, and lack of maintenance. Instead of heavy water cooling systems, high-temperature alternatives are being developed. The Idaho National Laboratory will lead fuel development and testing. Experts consider the transition to power systems in the 100–500 kW range a key step toward moving from expeditionary to industrial lunar exploration.

Context

NASA is already running the Artemis program, aimed at returning humans to the Moon.