Lunar surface reactor to be developed by 2030 by NASA and DOE.

NASA and the U.S. Department of Energy signed a memorandum to collaborate on research and development of a fission surface power system for the Moon, with a goal of deploying a lunar surface reactor by 2030.

NASA and the U.S. Department of Energy announced a renewed partnership to develop a fission surface power system for use on the Moon. The agencies signed a memorandum of understanding to formalize their collaboration. The effort includes plans to develop a lunar surface reactor targeted for deployment by 2030. Officials said the work supports the Artemis campaign and future NASA missions to Mars. Key details: - The agencies signed a memorandum of understanding to advance research and development of a fission surface power system for lunar use. - The collaboration aims to develop a lunar surface reactor with a deployment target of 2030. - The planned fission surface power system is described as capable of producing electrical power for years without refueling and operating regardless of sunlight or temperature. - NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said harnessing nuclear power is needed to return to the Moon and enable future missions to Mars. - U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright referenced past U.S. programs and credited President Trump's leadership and the America First Space Policy in supporting the initiative. - The agencies said the effort builds on more than 50 years of collaboration in space exploration, technology development, and national security. Summary: The agencies say the development aims to provide continuous power to enable sustained lunar missions and support future Mars exploration, with deployment targeted for 2030. Specific development milestones and subsequent steps were not detailed. Undetermined at this time.