NASA and the Department of Energy: A nuclear reactor on the moon by 2030

New MoU Promotes Fission-Based Power System for Artemis Missions, with Target for Multi-Year Operation Without Refueling

NASA and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced on January 13, 2026, a renewed commitment to collaborate on the research and development of a nuclear fission-based power supply system on the lunar surface. According to the announcement, the move is anchored in a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two agencies, which sets a goal of developing a nuclear reactor “on the lunar surface” by 2030, as part of the Artemis program and future missions to Mars.

According to NASA, the “Fission Surface Power” system should provide safe, efficient, and abundant electricity, and be able to operate for years without the need for refueling. NASA emphasizes that such a power source could enable prolonged lunar missions by providing continuous energy — even when there is no sunlight, and even in extreme temperature conditions.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said in a statement that “returning to the Moon, building the infrastructure to stay, and preparing for the next step to Mars” requires the ability to operate nuclear power, and that the agreement allows for closer work with the Department of Energy to provide the necessary capabilities. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright linked the move to the Trump administration’s space policy, describing the project as continuing a tradition of engineering-intensive and ambitious national projects.

NASA and DOE note that the joint initiative includes not only development, but also aspects of fuel, authorization, and preparation for launch of a lunar surface reactor. According to the announcement, the move is based on more than 50 years of cooperation between the agencies in the fields of space exploration, technology development, and strengthening aspects of national security.

to NASA's announcement

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