The US plans to build a nuclear reactor on the Moon

NASA plans to build a nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030. According to the Space portal, NASA and the US Department of Energy announced on Tuesday that they had signed a memorandum of understanding confirming their commitment to meet this deadline.

The goal is to create a reliable, long-term power supply system for lunar bases as part of the Artemis program. In December last year, President Donald Trump issued an executive order to begin construction of a lunar base and accompanying nuclear reactor by the end of the decade.

"Achieving this future requires the use of nuclear energy," said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. Energy Secretary Chris Wright described the agreement as a continuation of the American tradition of pushing technological boundaries.

Unlike solar systems, fission reactors are independent of weather or sunlight and can produce energy continuously for years.

NASA and the Department of Energy have been collaborating on nuclear energy for space missions for decades, including the famous Curiosity and Perseverance rovers.

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