NASA’s Bold Plan to Build a Nuclear Reactor on the Moon by 2030
The first Moon landings were about flags and footprints. Today, the focus has shifted toward building permanent infrastructure, and power is the key to making that possible. In April 2025, China revealed plans for a nuclear power plant on the Moon by 2035 to support its lunar research station. The United States quickly responded in August when acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy suggested an American reactor could be operational by 2030.
This competition might seem sudden, yet NASA and the Department of Energy have been developing small nuclear systems for years. These systems aim to support lunar bases, mining efforts, and long-term human settlements. A nuclear reactor on the Moon may sound dramatic, but it is legal under current international law and could open new possibilities for peaceful exploration. However, its deployment will raise questions about access, control, and influence.
The Legal and Strategic Framework
Nuclear power in space is not new. Since the 1960s, the US and the Soviet Union have used radioisotope generators to power satellites, Mars rovers, and deep space probes. The United Nations’ 1992 principles recognize the importance of nuclear energy when solar power is insufficient. These guidelines stress safety, transparency, and international consultation.
International law does not forbid peaceful nuclear power use on the Moon. Still, the first country to succeed in placing a reactor could set expectations for behavior and interpretation of the law. The 1967 Outer Space Treaty requires countries to act with “due regard” for others’ interests. If a reactor is installed, others must operate around it both physically and legally. Although no nation can claim lunar territory, infrastructure can still influence how and where others operate.
Placing a reactor in a resource-rich location, such as the lunar south pole, could be especially significant. Ice in shadowed craters there could be used for rocket fuel and sustaining habitats. By building in such areas, a nation strengthens its access to resources and its operational presence.
Why Nuclear Power Is Critical
The Moon’s environment makes solar energy unreliable. Long nights, lasting 14 Earth days, and permanently shadowed regions mean some critical areas never receive sunlight. A small nuclear reactor could provide steady power for a decade or more. It could support habitats, vehicles, 3D printers, and life-support systems, enabling long-term human activity.
This technology is not only about the Moon. It could be vital for missions to Mars, where solar power faces even greater limitations. Critics may worry about radiation, but strict UN safety guidelines can help reduce these risks. The real challenge lies in building such infrastructure transparently and cooperatively.
The United States has a chance to lead in both technology and governance. By openly sharing plans and committing to peaceful use, it can set a standard for others. Ultimately, the future of the Moon will not be decided by who plants the most flags, but by who builds the most essential infrastructure and how they do it.
