National Security

NASA, Department of Energy to Develop Nuclear Reactor for Moon by 2030

The renewed commitment also makes clear that reactor development will be vital for future missions to Mars and beyond.
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NASA, Department of Energy to Develop Nuclear Reactor for Moon by 2030
U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright (L) and NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman (R) meet at the Department of Energy headquarters in Washington on Jan. 8, 2026. NASA/John Kraus
T.J. Muscaro
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NASA and the Department of Energy renewed their commitment to develop a nuclear power source for lunar surface operations by 2030.

After recently signing a memorandum of understanding, the two agencies solidified their partnership in developing nuclear reactors for orbital and lunar surface applications as part of the overall advancement of President Donald Trump’s vision of U.S. space superiority. Part of that vision includes developing a fission reactor for the lunar surface.

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T.J. Muscaro
T.J. Muscaro
Author
T.J. Muscaro is an award-winning reporter and NASA Correspondent for The Epoch Times, covering the Artemis program, Space Force, and other public and private ambitions within the growing space industry. Based in Tampa, Florida, he also covers stories of extreme weather and disaster relief, as well as various matters of national and international politics.