US, China and Russia vie to power lunar bases with nuclear reactors

The United States, China and Russia are racing to build nuclear power sources for permanent lunar outposts, seeing the technology as essential for long-duration missions and resource extraction. NASA’s request to contractors in August calls for a reactor that can endure a spaceflight and operate without maintenance near the Moon’s south pole, with a launch goal set for December 2030 and an output of 20 kW for five years.

Russia, working covertly with China, aims to field a "Selena" reactor by 2036 that would provide up to 10 kW for a decade. While solar panels can power equipment during the lunar day, the two-week lunar night makes nuclear power attractive. Scientists caution that launch accidents could spread radioactive material and that shielding such reactors on the Moon will be challenging, potentially limiting access to surrounding areas. The initiative also raises legal questions about resource ownership and access under the 1967 Outer Space Treaty.