U.S. Plans Nuclear Reactor for Lunar Orbit by 2028

On April 14, 2023, the White House issued a directive mandating NASA, the Pentagon, and the Department of Energy to develop a nuclear fission reactor capable of orbiting the moon, with a target launch date of 2028. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure American dominance in space, particularly as the U.S. aims to establish a permanent presence on the lunar surface. The decision comes in light of the unique energy challenges posed by the moon's environment, which renders solar, wind, and hydropower impractical.

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The United States has previously attempted to deploy nuclear reactors in space, with a notable launch occurring in 1965. However, these early efforts were marred by incidents involving radioactive releases, leading to a cessation of such programs amid rising public opposition to nuclear technology. Despite significant investments in nuclear power projects by NASA over the years, these initiatives have largely failed to materialize into viable solutions.

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The moon's long lunar nights, lasting 14 Earth days, and the absence of wind or flowing water make traditional energy sources unfeasible. Nuclear fission, particularly using high-assay, low-enriched uranium, is viewed as the only viable option for providing the sustained energy necessary for lunar operations. This perspective is echoed by industry experts, including Tyler Bernstein, CEO of Zeno Power, who emphasizes the strategic importance of energy resources in space as global competition intensifies.

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Michael Kratsios, director of the White House’s science and technology policy office, stated, “Nuclear power in space will give us the sustained electricity, heating, and propulsion essential to a permanent robotic and eventually human presence on the moon, on Mars, and beyond.” This sentiment reflects a renewed confidence in nuclear technology, which is gaining public support as part of the U.S.'s ambitious space exploration agenda.

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Despite the optimism surrounding this initiative, there remains skepticism rooted in historical failures and public apprehension regarding nuclear safety. Critics point to the past incidents of radioactive material releases as a cautionary tale, questioning whether the advancements in nuclear technology are sufficient to mitigate these risks in future space endeavors.

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The U.S. government plans to conduct design competitions among various agencies to fast-track the development of mid-power fission reactor designs. These efforts aim to demonstrate viable models for both orbital and lunar surface applications, setting the stage for potentially deploying high-power reactors in the 2030s.

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• “Nuclear power in space will give us the sustained electricity, heating, and propulsion essential to a permanent robotic and eventually human presence on the moon, on Mars, and beyond,” — Michael Kratsios, Director of the White House’s Science and Technology Policy Office.

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• “With great power competition rising, the ocean floor, Arctic, and lunar surface are becoming the front lines of global security and economic progress — but they remain energy deserts,” — Tyler Bernstein, CEO of Zeno Power.

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