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 initiative is formalized through a recently signed memorandum of understanding between the two agencies.
According to DOE Secretary Chris Wright, “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 stated, “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 planned fission surface power system is expected to provide reliable electrical power for lunar missions over several years without refueling. This technology aims to support sustained operations on the Moon by supplying continuous energy regardless of environmental conditions such as sunlight or temperature.
The collaboration builds upon more than five decades of joint efforts between DOE and NASA in advancing space exploration technologies and supporting national security.
