NASA will build a nuclear reactor on the moon, will get ahead of Russia and China

US space agency NASA is working on a plan to install a nuclear reactor on the moon. The goal of this project is to make a permanent human presence on the moon possible by 2030. This news came to light when NASA's acting chief Sean Duffy announced the plan, which is considered part of the strategy of former President Donald Trump's administration to accelerate the space race.

This ambitious NASA plan will provide a source of unlimited energy for future human settlements and scientific research on the moon. According to a report by the New York Post, NASA will soon invite proposals from private companies for this project.

NASA aims to develop a nuclear reactor with a capacity of 100 kilowatts. This reactor will help accelerate the lunar economy and strengthen America's space security.

A major concern is that if other space powers like Russia or China set up such a reactor on the moon first, they could claim their rights there, which might increase challenges for the U.S. For this reason, this project is a top priority.

The project is expected to cost billions of dollars. In 2022 alone, NASA gave $50 lakh (about Rs 40 crore) each to three private companies to develop preliminary designs.

Based on the experience of companies like Rolls-Royce, the construction, energy distribution, and operation of the reactor are very costly. This project is also part of the Artemis mission, which is estimated to cost Rs 8,200 billion.

Duffy's memo states that NASA will need to gather proposals from private companies within 60 days and will soon appoint a key official for the project. NASA is seeking companies capable of installing reactors on the Moon by 2030.

This technology could someday enable energy supply on other planets like Mars, potentially revolutionizing space exploration.