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Moon Nuclear Race Heats Up: US, Russia, China Vie for Reactors, Scientists Warn of Haste
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News18•04-10-2026, 23:55
Moon Nuclear Race Heats Up: US, Russia, China Vie for Reactors, Scientists Warn of Haste
- •The US aims to install a nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030, with NASA urging contractors to prepare for launch.
- •Intensifying space competition drives this urgency; Russia and China reportedly plan a lunar reactor by 2036.
- •Nuclear power is crucial for establishing permanent lunar bases and exploring resources like frozen water.
- •Reactors are vital for uninterrupted electricity during the Moon's long nights and future deep space missions.
- •Scientists express concern over the rapid deployment of risky nuclear technology to the Moon, citing recent space accidents.
Key Questions Answered
The United States is working to have a nuclear reactor ready for launch to the Moon by December 2030, driven by increasing competition in space and the goal of establishing a permanent lunar base.
Nuclear reactors are deemed essential to provide uninterrupted electricity during the Moon's long nights, periods of insufficient sunlight, and to support long-duration deep space missions where solar or chemical power sources are unreliable.
Following recent accidents in space missions, scientists have cautioned against rushing the deployment of risky nuclear technology and warned that the aggressive timeline needs reconsideration.
