NASA’s interim leader Sean Duffy recently aims to keep the 100 kW nuclear reactor on the moon by 2030 to provide energy for the final lunar post. Duffy describes it as a new moon race to establish a strategic photol and maintain competitive advantage for the United States during a press conference titled “American drone dominance” for the United States, emphasizing the importance of having reliable power at the lunar level. NASA extended its staff -affected lunar Lander for a whole year when the agency will take advantage of key resources on the moon and lay the foundation for a deep search for at least four years away.
According to the press conference, for the basis of research and long -term moon, reliable power is very important. Solar panels fail in the two -week nights of the moon, so a nuclear reactor can provide constant electricity in the dark. This pole will be especially valuable in the South, where permanent shadows hide the water reserves. These ice deposits are essential to life support and fuel essential, so stable strength will expand the mission capabilities. According to the strategy, the deployment of the reactor will help to secure the key area.
China and Russia intend to build one by the mid -2030s, and US officials have first warned the country that the region can be effectively claimed to do so, which produces a reality “cap -out zone”. Duffy even said to the South in the “best” place of the moon, namely the snow and sunlight, and said that the United States must “come there first and claim it”.
Challenges
The directive sets a nearby milestone. NASA will have to appoint a lunar reactor program manager within 30 days and seek industry suggestions within 60 days. The goal is 100 kW reactor ready to fly by about 2030.
However, the project faces major obstacles. The 2026 budget will jump about $ 350 million, which is rising to $ 500 meters by 2027), but also proposes deep cuts in NASA’s overall financing. Observers note that this will be NASA’s smallest budget in decades. Meanwhile, agency science programs and even its manpower are being carried out.
