Posted 2/2/2024, 8:00:50 PM
NASA Advancing Plans for Nuclear Reactor to Enable Long-Term Human Presence on the Moon
- NASA completing design phase of project to develop small nuclear fission reactor for electricity generation on the moon
- Aim is to enable sustained human presence on moon for at least 10 years
- Reactor could enable exploration of permanently shadowed regions with water ice at lunar south pole
- 3 companies submitted initial reactor designs and cost estimates; NASA will extend contracts to refine plans
- Target is to deliver reactor capable of generating 40 kilowatts of electricity to launch pad in early 2030s