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.

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

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 American space superiority. Part of that vision includes developing a fission reactor for the lunar surface.