🧑🚀 The new head of NASA, Sean Duffy, appointed by President Donald Trump, is preparing to announce the agency’s ambitious plans — the deployment of a small nuclear reactor on the Moon’s surface. This will be part of preparations for long-term lunar missions and future flights to Mars.
Source: Bukvy
📄 An internal NASA directive obtained by The Telegraph states that the reactor has strategic importance: it is intended to prevent the monopolization of the Moon by other nations and ensure a safe U.S. presence. In particular, it refers to competition from China and russia, which have already announced plans to build their own lunar reactors by the mid-2030s.
⚠️ “The first country to deploy a reactor could potentially restrict access to certain areas, which would obstruct the Artemis program if the U.S. doesn’t act fast,” the document states.
⏱️ NASA calls for swift action to support the “future lunar economy” and strengthen U.S. national security in space. Solar panels are inefficient on the Moon due to two-week-long nights, making autonomous power a key element in creating livable conditions.
⚡ A NASA representative noted that small nuclear reactors have long been used on submarines and aircraft carriers. Now, similar technologies are being adapted for space.
🏗️ Sean Duffy has already instructed the agency to reach out to industry for proposals for a reactor with at least 100 kilowatts of power, to be ready for launch by 2030. Previously, NASA had worked on a 40-kilowatt reactor design.
🔄 Duffy’s appointment came as a surprise — Trump withdrew the nomination of billionaire Jared Isaacman, who had been supported by Elon Musk. According to journalists, this decision has further deepened tensions between the White House and Musk.