In a post on X, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) unveiled a document with new guidelines for federal agencies to establish a space nuclear technology road map for the coming years. This, he says, will ensure “American space superiority.”
Currently, space instruments use solar energy to operate. However, it is considered impractical for more complex purposes. Although technically there is always sunlight, electricity is intermittent and almost always requires huge batteries to store it.
Reactors produce energy through nuclear fission fairly continuously for years. They can also be used for so-called nuclear electric propulsion. Continuous production makes them the most viable option for lunar base subsistence, but they can also allow spacecraft to perform long or complex missions without worrying about depleting the limited supply of chemical fuel.
In short, nuclear technology makes it possible to go further, with greater payload, for longer periods of time and with fewer obstacles.
According to the memorandum, the US aims to place a medium-power reactor in orbit by 2028 with a version designed for nuclear electric propulsion, and the first functional large reactor on the lunar surface by 2030. To achieve this, both NASA and the Pentagon will develop energy technologies in parallel, using the current strategy of competition among contractors.
The reactors would have to be modular and scalable, and would have to include applications for both future life on the Moon and space propulsion. For its part, DOE must ensure that these projects have the necessary fuel, infrastructure, and safety features to achieve their objectives. Additionally, the agency will evaluate whether the industry has the capacity to produce four reactors in five years.
The plan considers technologies that produce at least 20 kilowatts of electricity (kWh) for up to three years in orbit and at least five years on the lunar surface. Meanwhile, they must have a design capable of increasing power up to 100 kW. The first designs should arrive within a year.
Finally, the order tasks OSTP with creating a road map for the initiative, noting obstacles and making recommendations to address them.
“Nuclear energy in space will provide us with the sustained power, heating, and propulsion needed for a permanent presence on the Moon, Mars, and beyond,” OSTP posted. For his part, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman posted, “It’s time for America to pursue nuclear power in space.” The message was followed by an emoji of the American flag.
The plan provides a general framework for each agency to work. In the background, the race for space infrastructure is evidence of technological competition with China, which is also seeking advanced energy capabilities for the Moon.
This story originally appeared Wired in Español And it has been translated from Spanish.
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