In a major push to assert dominance in the new era of space exploration, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is set to announce a NASA directive to build and deploy a nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030. The move, revealed through internal documents reviewed by POLITICO, signals the United States’ intent to compete directly with China and Russia, which are developing a joint lunar base.

The directive calls for the development of a 100-kilowatt fission reactor, a significant upgrade from the 40-kilowatt model NASA previously funded. Aimed at powering lunar habitats and critical infrastructure, the system is expected to be ready for launch at the start of the next decade. NASA has been instructed to solicit industry proposals within 60 days and appoint a dedicated official to lead the project.

Duffy’s first major NASA move focuses on the lunar advantage

The nuclear initiative is Duffy’s first substantial action in his new NASA leadership role, an interim appointment made by President Donald Trump after the nomination of billionaire pilot Jared Isaacman was withdrawn. Despite controversy surrounding Duffy’s dual responsibilities in government and resistance from some members of Congress, the directive underscores his vision to align NASA with strategic national goals.

According to one NASA official involved in the planning process, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the embargoed nature of the directive, the move is “about winning the second space race.”

The White House has signaled support for the initiative, aligning it with broader efforts to bolster crewed space missions. This comes even as the administration proposes substantial cuts to NASA’s scientific programs.

Why a lunar reactor matters

Sustainable human presence on the Moon depends heavily on reliable power sources. Unlike Earth, the Moon experiences 14 days of continuous darkness in some regions, making solar power inconsistent. A fission reactor would provide constant, high-density energy for life support systems, scientific equipment, and communication networks.

The 100-kilowatt goal represents a scale suitable for supporting multiple astronauts and future construction. By pushing the technology now, the U.S. hopes to secure a permanent operational advantage before China and Russia can fully establish their own base.

China, Russia, and the global stakes

China and Russia are jointly developing a lunar research station, with plans to deploy infrastructure throughout the 2030s. Beijing’s Tiangong space station is already operational and permanently crewed in Earth’s orbit. With this reactor directive and other announcements, the U.S. is aiming to reassert leadership in extraterrestrial capabilities, both scientific and military.

The nuclear element adds another layer of strategic depth, especially as the Pentagon has shown inconsistent support for space-based nuclear propulsion. A Moon-based reactor could serve as a testbed for future Mars missions or military-adjacent space assets.

NASA to accelerate ISS replacement

In a parallel directive, Duffy also ordered NASA to expedite plans to replace the ageing International Space Station. The agency is now required to award contracts to at least two private firms within the next six months. The goal is to have a commercially operated space station in orbit by 2030.

Private companies such as Axiom Space, Vast, and Blue Origin are considered frontrunners. While they’ve already received early-stage support from NASA, lawmakers have voiced frustration over slow progress and inconsistent funding. With this directive, NASA aims to lock in its partnerships and align with the national space policy trajectory.

The urgency stems in part from China’s progress with Tiangong, which is now the only other permanent station in low Earth orbit. Without a clear U.S.-backed successor, space dominance could begin to tilt eastward.

What happens next

NASA must now move quickly to fulfill the 60-day deadline for gathering proposals on the reactor project and identifying a project lead. In parallel, contract discussions with private space firms for ISS replacement will intensify.

Industry analysts expect a flurry of competition among aerospace contractors. In addition to providing technical designs, these firms will need to demonstrate capabilities in nuclear safety, radiation shielding, and robotic construction, all essential for off-Earth reactors.

With NASA now receiving marching orders that prioritize power infrastructure, national defense, and human settlement over scientific exploration alone, the agency’s direction may be fundamentally shifting.

The next several months will be crucial as NASA reorients itself to meet these new benchmarks and as the world watches to see who claims the next flag on the Moon, and what powers it.

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