United States plans to install nuclear reactor on Moon by 2030 - NASA

NASA has confirmed its intention to create a nuclear power plant on the Moon by 2030 to provide future lunar bases as part of the Artemis program. This was reported by the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

This involves the development of a nuclear reactor that can provide electricity to one or more permanent bases on the surface of the Moon. In December, US President Donald Trump signed a decree that provides for the start of construction of a lunar base by 2030, as well as the readiness of the nuclear reactor for launch by the same date.

On January 13, NASA and the US Department of Energy signed a memorandum of understanding confirming their common intention to complete this task within the specified time frame.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman emphasized that nuclear energy is a key condition for the implementation of long-term US space plans.

"Under President Trump's National Space Policy, America is committed to returning to the Moon, building the infrastructure for a long-term stay, and making the investments needed to take the next giant leap forward - to Mars and beyond," Isaacman said.

He added that these plans cannot be realized without nuclear energy.

"Achieving this future requires the use of nuclear energy. This agreement allows NASA and the Department of Energy to work more closely together to provide the capabilities needed to usher in a Golden Age of space exploration and discovery," the NASA Administrator said.

Experts say nuclear power systems are the most efficient for manned bases in deep space, including the Moon and Mars. Such reactors can continuously generate electricity for years without refueling and are not dependent on sunlight or weather conditions.

Recall that NASA is preparing for the first manned flight to the Moon in half a century: the launch is possible as early as February.

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