US has announced plans to build a nuclear reactor on the moon

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy will unveil accelerated plans this week to build a nuclear reactor on the moon, marking his first major initiative as interim NASA administrator.

While NASA has previously explored the idea, internal documents obtained by POLITICO reveal this move sets a firm timeline and comes amid deep budget cuts. The decision signals Duffy’s intent to shape space policy despite criticism over holding dual roles.

“This is about winning the second space race,” said a senior NASA official, speaking anonymously ahead of the documents’ release.

President Trump appointed Duffy as interim administrator in July after abruptly pulling the nomination of billionaire Jared Isaacman, following tensions with Elon Musk.

Duffy also issued guidance to fast-track replacement of the International Space Station, further advancing the U.S. goal of reaching the moon and Mars—rivaling China’s efforts.

The initiative reflects the Trump administration’s priority on crewed spaceflight, boosting human exploration funding in 2026 even as other NASA programs—like science missions—face steep cuts, including nearly 50%.

The directive calls for industry proposals to build a 100-kilowatt reactor for lunar deployment by 2030, a key component for sustaining astronaut missions. NASA had previously funded a 40-kilowatt prototype with a broader goal of lunar deployment in the early 2030s.

The document warns that whichever country deploys a reactor first could “declare a keep-out zone,” citing concerns over a joint China-Russia lunar project.

NASA must now assign a project lead and gather industry feedback within 60 days. Companies will be evaluated on their ability to deliver a reactor by 2030, the same timeframe China is targeting for its first crewed moon landing.