NASA and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) have reaffirmed their long-standing partnership to advance the research and development of a fission surface power system for lunar and future Mars missions under the Artemis campaign. A memorandum of understanding between the agencies formalizes this collaboration, aiming to deploy nuclear reactors on the Moon and in orbit, with a specific goal of developing a lunar surface reactor by 2030. This initiative supports the United States' leadership in space exploration and commerce.
Agency Statements
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman stated that achieving future space exploration goals, including returning to the Moon and venturing to Mars, requires harnessing nuclear power. He emphasized that the agreement facilitates closer collaboration to deliver the necessary capabilities for advanced space exploration and discovery.
U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright highlighted the historical success of American science and innovation, drawing parallels to the Manhattan Project and Apollo Mission. He affirmed the DOE's commitment to working with NASA and the commercial space industry on this project, describing it as a significant technical achievement in nuclear energy and space exploration.
Project Goals
The agencies anticipate deploying a fission surface power system designed to produce safe, efficient, and abundant electrical power. This system is expected to operate for years without refueling, providing continuous power for sustained lunar missions, irrespective of sunlight or temperature conditions. The joint effort includes the development, fueling, authorization, and preparation for launching a lunar surface reactor, building on over 50 years of collaboration in space exploration, technology development, and national security.