Power Play: Why NASA Is Betting on Nuclear to Outpace Rivals on the Moon
3 Articles
3 Articles
Power play: why NASA is betting on nuclear to outpace rivals on the Moon
The United States is racing to build nuclear power reactors for the Moon, with the first system planned for the end of the decade. This would keep astronauts alive through weeks-long lunar nights, as well as powering permanent bases and outposts – and giving Washington an edge over China and Russia in a new space race.
Whoever is the first to place an energy source on the Moon will gain a huge advantage. That's why the US wants to build its nuclear reactor there by 2030. It has made no secret of its plan to overtake China and seize the most lucrative areas.
NASA has set a goal of building a 100-kilowatt nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030. Some experts say it's an ambitious but potentially achievable goal that could revolutionize space exploration. But critics warn that it could lead to legal problems or monopoly threats.
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