The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and NASA have announced a renewed partnership to develop a fission surface power system for use on the Moon, with plans to deploy a lunar surface reactor by 2030. This collaboration is formalized through a new memorandum of understanding between the two agencies.
According to the DOE, this initiative aligns with President Trump’s goal of establishing American leadership in space exploration and commerce by deploying nuclear reactors both on the Moon and in orbit. The project aims to support future NASA missions, including those to Mars.
U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright stated, “History shows that when American science and innovation come together, from the Manhattan Project to the Apollo Mission, our nation leads the world to reach new frontiers once thought impossible. This agreement continues that legacy. Thanks to President Trump’s leadership and his America First Space Policy, the Department is proud to work with NASA and the commercial space industry on what will be one of the greatest technical achievements in the history of nuclear energy and space exploration.”
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman added, “Under President Trump’s national space policy, America is committed to returning to the Moon, building the infrastructure to stay, and making the investments required for the next giant leap to Mars and beyond. Achieving this future requires harnessing nuclear power. This agreement enables closer collaboration between NASA and the Department of Energy to deliver the capabilities necessary to usher in the Golden Age of space exploration and discovery.”
The agencies plan for their fission surface power system to provide reliable electrical power for extended periods without refueling. This capability would allow sustained lunar missions by supplying continuous energy regardless of environmental conditions such as sunlight or temperature.
This joint effort builds upon more than five decades of cooperation between DOE and NASA in advancing technology development for space exploration as well as national security.
