Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is reportedly set to announce plans to construct a nuclear reactor on the moon, as per media reports.
NASA has been in talks about building a reactor on the lunar surface, but Duffy’s directive provides a more concrete timeline and expedites the process. Duffy, who also serves as the interim administrator of the space agency, believes that fission surface power (FSP) is crucial for future human space exploration missions to the moon and Mars.
China and Russia have announced plans to collaborate on placing a reactor on the moon by the mid-2030s, potentially leading to the establishment of a “keep-out zone” that could hinder the United States from establishing a presence there.
Despite the Pentagon canceling a joint program on nuclear-powered rocket engines, NASA will continue to be involved in nuclear development. Additionally, Duffy issued a directive to swiftly replace the International Space Station, which is a key priority for NASA.
President Trump appointed Duffy as the interim administrator of NASA in July after withdrawing the nomination of Jared Isaacman in May. Isaacman, a billionaire private astronaut and a close associate of Elon Musk, faced criticism over his ties to Musk and SpaceX, which some officials considered a conflict of interest.
NASA has become increasingly important in the Trump administration’s national defense, innovation, and economic agenda.
