US Aims for Nuclear Reactor on Moon by 2030 Amid China's Lunar Ambitions

• The US, through NASA and the Department of Energy, is developing a nuclear fission reactor for deployment on the Moon by 2030.
• This initiative is crucial for NASA's Artemis program, aiming to establish a sustained human presence on the Moon, providing continuous power during lunar nights and extreme temperatures.
• The project is set against a backdrop of intensifying space competition, with China and Russia also planning nuclear-powered lunar bases.
• A lunar nuclear reactor would power habitats, scientific experiments, and communication systems, serving as a foundation for future Mars missions.
• NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and Energy Secretary Chris Wright emphasize the project's importance for US space leadership and technological advancement.

Why It Matters: The US plans to deploy a lunar nuclear reactor by 2030 to ensure continuous power for sustained Moon missions and future Mars exploration.