Lunar Nuclear Power Race
US, China and Russia race to deploy nuclear reactors on the lunar surface
Anonymous
Key Points
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NASA’s Lunar Reactor-1 is designed to use high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) fuel, according to draft documentation posted by NASA’s Glenn Research Center.
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NASA plans to demonstrate fission propulsion on a Mars-bound spacecraft, Space Reactor-1 Freedom, in December 2028—a separate step in its broader space-nuclear program.
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The U.S. Space Force awarded California startup Antares a $161 million contract for a nuclear-powered spacecraft, as part of a wider Pentagon effort to field reactors in orbit and on the lunar surface.
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Russia has tasked state nuclear company Rosatom and the Kurchatov Institute with developing Selena; Russia says the reactor would anchor China’s International Lunar Research Station.
The United States, China, and Russia are racing to build nuclear reactors on the Moon. NASA plans to land a 20-kilowatt reactor near the Moon's south pole by December 2030, while Russia and China aim to install their own 10-kilowatt reactor by 2036. Nuclear power could provide reliable electricity through the Moon's long nights, when solar panels stop working.
The three-nation competition reflects a broader shift in space exploration. Seattle Times reports that the superpowers want to establish permanent Moon bases, search for frozen water, and launch deeper missions into space. Safety experts caution that an accelerated race could increase launch risks, though the reactors would remain off until they reach the Moon.
How NASA's Lunar Reactor Would Work
NASA's Glenn Research Center designed Lunar Reactor-1 to generate 20 kilowatts of power and operate for five years without maintenance. The reactor uses high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) fuel, a form of nuclear material with higher uranium-235 content than traditional reactor fuel. It would be placed near the Moon's south pole, where darkness lasts up to 14 days at a time.
Russia and China's Competing Selena Reactor
Russia has tasked state nuclear company Rosatom and the Kurchatov Institute with developing a rival reactor called Selena. The Daily Jagran reports this reactor would provide up to 10 kilowatts of power for a decade, supporting China's International Lunar Research Station. The partnership between Moscow and Beijing represents a direct challenge to American lunar ambitions.
Pentagon Accelerates Nuclear Spacecraft Development
The U.S. Space Force awarded California startup Antares a $161 million contract for a nuclear-powered spacecraft. Yahoo Tech notes this is part of a wider Pentagon effort to field reactors in orbit and on the lunar surface. NASA also plans to demonstrate fission propulsion on a Mars-bound spacecraft called Space Reactor-1 Freedom in December 2028.
Safety Risks of Rushing the Lunar Race
Safety experts warn that accelerating the competition could increase risks of accidents. A launch failure could cause radioactive contamination on Earth or in space. Seattle Times reports that both reactors are designed to remain inactive until they land on the Moon, lowering some risks. Still, the rapid timeline leaves little room for testing failures or design changes.
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