• NASA plans to build a nuclear reactor on the moon by 2030 to support long-term missions.
• The initiative aims to counter China's and Russia's advancements in lunar exploration technology.
• A 100-kilowatt reactor will be developed, capable of powering essential operations on the lunar surface.
• The plans come amid potential budget cuts and questions about funding for the ambitious project.
• Nuclear energy is deemed vital for sustaining operations during lunar nights, which last two weeks.

NASA is set to accelerate its plans for a nuclear reactor on the moon, aiming for a launch by 2030, as part of its strategy to enhance U.S. space dominance amidst growing competition from China and Russia. The directive, issued by Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy, stresses the urgency of this initiative, particularly given that China and Russia have announced their own plans for a lunar reactor by the mid-2030s, which could establish "keep-out zones" on the moon, significantly inhibiting U.S. operations, according to SCMP and ABC News.

The proposed reactor will generate around 100 kilowatts of power, which is sufficient for long-term human activities on the lunar surface, such as life support and resource extraction. This ambitious move marks a shift toward prioritizing human space exploration over scientific research, a strategic pivot attributed to the ongoing space race, as highlighted by Duffy, who noted, "This is about winning the second space race," according to AA and HuffPost.

NASA has plans to solicit proposals from private industry to develop this reactor, emphasizing the need for rapid execution, potentially choosing a program director within 60 days. Despite these ambitions, concerns about budget cuts under the Trump administration—potentially reducing NASA’s funding from $24.8 billion to $18.8 billion—cast doubt on the project's financing and future, as shown by discussions in sources such as BBC and The Jakarta Post.

Nuclear reactors are viewed as ideal sources of continuous power during the moon's lengthy dark periods, which last about two weeks. Existing solar technology proves inadequate under such conditions. Officials cite that being the first to establish lunar power capabilities could allow for territorial claims, as the reactor's presence may designate operational zones, according to SCMP and ABC News.

This project aligns with NASA's broader Artemis program, which plans for sustained human presence on the moon and aims to prepare for future missions to Mars. However, the project is not without concerns regarding safety and feasibility, especially in managing and launching nuclear materials, as detailed by experts and industry sources such as BBC and The Jakarta Post.