NASA to put nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030 – US media
9 months ago
- #NASA
- #Moon
- #Nuclear Energy
- NASA plans to build a nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030 to support a permanent lunar base.
- The initiative is driven by geopolitical competition with China and Russia, who also have lunar nuclear plans.
- A 100-kilowatt reactor is proposed, though this is small compared to Earth-based energy sources.
- Nuclear power is seen as essential for continuous energy due to the Moon's long day-night cycles.
- Safety concerns exist around launching radioactive materials and establishing lunar 'safety zones'.
- NASA's Artemis program faces funding cuts and setbacks, raising doubts about the feasibility of the timeline.
- Scientists worry the focus on competition may overshadow broader scientific exploration goals.