The United States is reportedly accelerating plans to build a nuclear reactor on the moon, with U.S. Transportation Secretary and acting NASA Director Sean Duffy set to unveil the initiative, according to Politico. While NASA had already explored the idea of lunar nuclear power, the new directive pushes for a firm timeline and signals urgency—despite the agency facing significant budget cuts. The project aims to establish a 100-kilowatt reactor by 2030, a step up from previous research into a smaller 40-kilowatt model, and is seen as crucial for sustained astronaut presence on the moon.

The directive warns that whichever nation lands a reactor first could potentially declare a "keep-out zone," a strategic move that might limit U.S. access—reflecting growing concern over a China-Russia space alliance. Alongside the lunar reactor push, Duffy is also calling for an accelerated replacement of the aging International Space Station. Both efforts are intended to reignite American dominance in space exploration, especially as rival nations make swift advances toward lunar and Martian missions.

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SOURCE: MSN