NASA plans lunar nuclear reactor launch by December 2030

October 4, 2026 at 10:34 PM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

NASA aims to prepare a nuclear reactor for launch to the Moon by December 2030, targeting the lunar south pole. The reactor is designed to produce 20 kilowatts and operate without maintenance for five years. The plan comes as Russia and China pursue their own joint Selena reactor project for lunar bases.

Key Facts

NASA aims to prepare a nuclear reactor for launch to the Moon by December 2030.
The proposed Lunar Reactor 1 is designed to produce 20 kilowatts of electricity and operate for five years without intervention.
Russia and China are developing the joint Selena reactor project, planned for completion by 2036.
The Selena reactor is designed for a capacity of up to 10 kilowatts and autonomous operation for ten years.
The 1967 Outer Space Treaty prohibits states from claiming sovereignty over the Moon.

Lunar Reactor Plans

NASA aims to prepare a nuclear reactor for launch to the Moon by December 2030, targeting the lunar south pole. The proposed Lunar Reactor 1 is to produce 20 kilowatts of electricity and operate for five years without intervention. Russia and China are working on the joint Selena reactor project, which they plan to develop by 2036 to power Chinese-led lunar stations. Selena is designed for a capacity of up to 10 kilowatts and autonomous operation for ten years.

Energy Needs and Risks

Solar panels can generate electricity only during the lunar day, while the lunar night lasts more than two weeks according to the Earth calendar. At the initial stages, the United States and China intend to use solar power and radioisotope systems to heat equipment and charge lunar vehicles. Scientists warn that a rocket accident during launch could potentially result in the spread of radioactive materials. The United States and Russia plan to transport the reactors in an inactive state, which reduces risks during flight.

Legal and Access Issues

The 1967 Outer Space Treaty prohibits states from claiming sovereignty over the Moon. Questions of access to areas around bases and rights to extracted resources remain open.