Summary
The U.S. space agency, NASA, plans to build a nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030. This project is part of a larger effort to establish a permanent human base on the lunar surface. NASA is seeking commercial partners to design a reactor capable of providing continuous power, which is crucial due to the Moon's unique day-night cycle.
Key Facts
- NASA aims to put a nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030.
- The goal is to support a permanent human base on the Moon.
- Continuous power is needed on the Moon because its day-night cycle lasts about four Earth weeks.
- NASA is inviting commercial companies to propose designs for a reactor that generates at least 100 kilowatts of power.
- There is competition from countries like China and Russia, which also plan Moon projects.
- Concerns exist about the feasibility and motivation behind these plans, partly due to recent NASA budget cuts.
- Safety concerns include launching radioactive materials into space.
- NASA's plans are linked to its Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon.
