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 and future missions to Mars. The collaboration was formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MOU), which aims to advance the deployment of nuclear reactors on the lunar surface by 2030.
This initiative is part of efforts to maintain U.S. leadership in space exploration and commerce. According to U.S. Secretary of Energy 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 agencies plan for a fission surface power system that can generate safe, efficient, and reliable electricity for extended periods without refueling. Such technology would provide continuous power for lunar missions regardless of environmental conditions.
This joint effort builds on over five decades of cooperation between DOE and NASA in advancing space exploration technologies and supporting national security.
