NASA has set a 2030 deadline to build a 100-kilowatt nuclear reactor on the moon. It’s an ambitious but potentially achievable goal that could transform space exploration, experts tell WIRED.

Placing an atomic energy source on the lunar surface is “not science fiction,” experts say, but does pose technical challenges.

NASA plans to establish a continuous lunar presence by 2030 with a nuclear reactor, crucial for powering habitats and operations during long lunar nights. This initiative supports the Artemis program and addresses the limitations of solar power in shadowed regions.