Trump Orders Development of Nuclear Reactors for Moon Orbit and Surface by 2030

Key Points

• Nuclear reactors targeted for Moon orbit by end of Trump's term and lunar surface by 2030.
• NASA, DOE, and Pentagon ordered to compete in reactor design.
• Initiative follows executive order signed four months ago.
• Trump frames it as essential for U.S. 'space superiority' and Mars missions.

Full Details

President Trump has issued a directive ordering NASA, the Department of Energy, and the Pentagon to compete in designing nuclear reactors for deployment in the Moon's orbit by the end of his second term and on the lunar surface by 2030. The White House memo, sent on Tuesday, follows an executive order signed four months ago outlining plans for nuclear power on the Moon, which is considered essential for establishing a permanent lunar base and expanding space exploration. Trump emphasized that nuclear power and propulsion policy clarity is critical for ensuring U.S. 'space superiority' beyond the Moon and toward Mars. The memo states, 'The United States will lead the world in developing and deploying space nuclear power for exploration, commerce, and defense.' This initiative represents a significant acceleration of U.S. plans for space-based nuclear technology, with potential implications for energy, defense, and deep space exploration.