NASA prepares lunar nuclear power plant to support future missions

Washington (ANTARA) - The construction of nuclear reactors on the Moon will help NASA ensure a reliable electricity supply for future lunar missions, stated Carlos Garcia-Galan, NASA’s Executive Program for Lunar Base, in an interview with RIA Novosti.

“We want to reach a stage where we generate tens of kilowatts of electricity, and nuclear reactors on the lunar surface are the way forward. Therefore, we will conduct experiments and ultimately build that capability,” said Garcia-Galan.

He explained that although NASA can utilise solar power, in heavily shadowed regions of the Moon, solar energy alone is insufficient to support the systems required for a sustainable human presence.

“So, nuclear is the next step, starting with radioisotope heating units on initial assets to ensure survival through the lunar night,” he added.

NASA plans to conduct a series of experiments and gradually build the necessary technological capabilities. Last March, the US space agency announced plans for the phased construction of a permanent lunar base in three stages.

The first stage involves the delivery of cargo and equipment to build basic energy, science, and communication infrastructure. The second stage focuses on developing Earth-like habitable infrastructure and logistics with contributions from international space agencies. The final stage is targeted at enabling long-term human presence on the Moon.