NASA’s Lunar Nuclear Reactor | 12 Aug 2025

Source: IE 

NASA is accelerating its plans to build a nuclear reactor on the moon by 2030, with the goal of establishing a permanent human presence on the lunar surface, all while adhering to the Artemis Accords.

• Reactor Specifications: The reactor is expected to generate 100 kilowatts of power, which is smaller than on-shore wind turbines (typically generating 2-3 megawatts). 
  • Nuclear reactors are explored because solar power is unreliable on the Moon due to extended darkness, and nuclear energy provides consistent power for habitats, rovers, and missions, particularly in shadowed craters. 
  • The UN's 1992 Principles Relevant to the Use of Nuclear Power Sources in Outer Space recognize nuclear energy as essential for deep-space missions, especially when solar power is insufficient. 
• Global Competition: Nasa’s push comes after similar plans by China and Russia to set up automated nuclear power stations on the moon by 2035.  
  • Other countries, including India and Japan, are also trying to explore the moon and establish human settlements. 
• Legal Framework: The 1967 Outer Space Treaty allows peaceful use of nuclear power in space, setting guidelines for transparency, safety, and international cooperation. 
  • Also, the Artemis Accords provides for international cooperation in space exploration, emphasizing transparency, peaceful use, and responsible use of space resources.