США планують встановити ядерний реактор на Місяці до 2030 року

The United States is working on the creation of the first nuclear reactor on the Moon, which is planned to be installed on the satellite's surface by 2030. The project is intended to provide a stable power supply for future lunar bases under the Artemis space programme.

This was reported by Space. Work on the project has been underway for several years, and last December, US President Donald Trump signed a decree obliging the US to prepare a nuclear reactor and the necessary infrastructure for the lunar base by the end of the decade.

On 13 January, NASA and the US Department of Energy signed a memorandum of understanding that officially set a common course for the implementation of this project. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacson said that the return of humans to the Moon and preparations for missions to Mars are impossible without the use of nuclear energy.

According to experts, nuclear plants have a key advantage over solar panels, as they do not depend on long lunar nights and can provide uninterrupted power for many years without refuelling. This makes them critical for long-term missions in deep space.

NASA and the US Department of Energy already have experience in cooperation in the field of space nuclear power. Previously, radioisotope generators provided electricity to the Cassini spacecraft, as well as the Curiosity and Perseverance rovers. The agencies believe that the use of such technologies on the Moon is a logical next step.

U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright emphasised that the combination of science and innovation has traditionally allowed the United States to achieve breakthroughs in space exploration, and the new agreement continues this historical legacy.

Nuclear reactor, Moon, Artemis programme, NASA, space energy, USA