Sean Duffy has just landed as the new acting head of NASA and has already stepped on the gas. His plan: to plant a nuclear reactor on the Moon before the end of the decade. No beating around the bush. He has changed the designs that were already approved, has requested proposals from private companies, and has made it clear that this is not just about science: it is about geopolitics. Because while you read this, China and Russia are also looking at the Moon.
This goes far beyond generating electricity
The reactor would have to produce at least 100 kilowatts of power. Enough to keep a lunar base operational and, hopefully, serve as a test for what will one day be taken to Mars. But the goal is not just technical. The fear is that if another country gets there first, it will stake a claim and limit U.S. access to certain parts of the satellite.
Duffy does not want to waste time
He hasn’t even warmed the seat and has already said we need to move fast. That this is important not only to explore space, but to guarantee energy autonomy, security, and start building what comes next. Because, according to him, the next space race will not be won with flags, but with infrastructure.
And the previous designs? To the trash
NASA already had a plan underway to fund small reactors created by private companies. But Duffy found them not ambitious enough. He has demanded more power, more speed and, in short, more advantage over others. Because if China puts its reactor first, it could claim part of the Moon as an exclusive zone. And that, according to Duffy, cannot be allowed.
Now there are deadlines: proposals in 60 days, project leader appointed in less than a month. No pauses.
The Moon as a rehearsal for Mars
The conditions on the Moon (eternal night, little sunlight, extreme cold…) make it a good place to test if a system like this can withstand being outside Earth. If this works, it would be the first time functional nuclear power is installed on another celestial body. A milestone that would put the U.S. ahead… if they are not late.
Private companies, not by choice, but by necessity
Duffy has also made it clear that NASA needs to rely more on private companies. Because the end of the International Space Station is coming and an alternative is needed. The plan is to build new stations, faster and with less public money. And that means collaborating with anyone who can contribute, even if they are outside NASA.
And now what?
Now there is pressure. We have to build, redesign, and launch a reactor in record time. And do it right, without mistakes. Because every step counts, and if the United States does not move now, someone else will take over space leadership.
The countdown has already started. This time there is no simulation. This is for real.
Key questions:
- Why bet on nuclear energy and not on solar? Solar energy is not enough in certain areas of the Moon, especially at the south pole, where there is barely any light! The nuclear reactor would allow a base to remain operational without depending on sunlight.
- Which countries are competing with the U.S. in this race? China and Russia have also shown interest in developing their own lunar energy systems, which adds more pressure on NASA to speed up development.
- Which companies are behind the new lunar reactor? The Fission Surface Power program seeks alliances with the private sector. Lockheed Martin, Westinghouse, and General Atomics are some of the companies already participating in the design and development of the reactor.
- Are there risks in placing a nuclear reactor on the Moon? For now, it is believed that there are not, considering it will be a compact, safe, and efficient fission reactor.
- What could this mean for future trips to Mars? A base with stable energy on the Moon would be the first step toward a human settlement on Mars, don’t you think?!