Why NASA Prefers Nuclear Reactor Over Solar Power on Moon

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is advancing its plans to deploy a nuclear reactor on the Moon as part of its Artemis program, aiming to secure a constant power supply for future lunar outposts. This initiative has recently completed its preliminary design phase, which saw contributions from leading companies including Lockheed Martin, Westinghouse, and IX, all tasked with proposing reactor designs that could efficiently manage heat, convert power, and distribute electricity.

This nuclear reactor is envisioned to operate autonomously for over ten years, supporting lunar bases and potentially similar setups on Mars in the future. NASA’s goal is to demonstrate that nuclear power can be a safe, efficient, and sustainable energy solution for extraterrestrial environments.

Trudy Kortes, a director within NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate, emphasized the necessity of demonstrating a nuclear power source on the Moon to validate its reliability and safety for supporting long-term exploration goals.

The critical challenge of sustaining life on the Moon lies in securing a reliable energy source, especially given the lunar night’s duration of about 14 Earth days, which limits the effectiveness of solar power. Fission reactors offer a solution by providing a steady power supply, unaffected by the lunar day-night cycle. These reactors are particularly suited for areas on the Moon that are devoid of sunlight for extended periods, including regions with potential ice reserves, which are essential for supporting life and exploration.

By offering an uninterrupted power source, nuclear reactors are crucial for the viability and success of extended human presence and scientific activities on the Moon. Kortes highlighted the technical challenges posed by the lunar night and how nuclear reactors could enable long-term exploration and research by operating independently of solar energy.