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Nuclear reactor is the system through which electricity is generated from nuclear fission.Image Credit source: AI Images

American space agency NASA is going to build a nuclear reactor on the moon. It will be built in collaboration with the US Department of Energy. This project of NASA has been prepared keeping in mind long missions and future trips to Mars under the Artemis program. For this, NASA and Department of Energy will work together. Under this project, electricity will be generated through nuclear reactor.

It has been claimed that this project will be completed by 2030. This system will provide safe and stable energy for years. There will be no need to search for new fuel again and again. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman says that this will be the beginning of the golden age in the world of space.

What is nuclear reactor?

Nuclear reactor is the system through which electricity is generated from nuclear fission. When the nucleus of uranium-235 or plutonium-239 breaks down as fuel, a lot of heat is released. This rotates the turbine and generates electricity. In this way, the nuclear reactor installed on the moon will prove to be an important step in the world of space. Many types of experiments can be done easily. The compulsion of power shortage will end.

Nuclear reactor.

Why does the Moon need nuclear power?

The nights on the moon are long and last for about two weeks. Solar panels cannot generate that much electricity. There is no sunlight for solar energy here. Continuous electricity supply can be provided through nuclear reactor. No matter what the time or season.

Radioisotope power has been used in some recent missions, but the new system will be larger and more powerful. Through the new plan, up to 40 kilowatts of electricity can be generated. This is enough electricity to light 30 houses on earth.

NUCLEAR IN OUTER SPACE🪐: @ENERGY is working with @NASA to develop new technologies like space reactors to provide reliable power on the Moon, Mars, and beyond. pic.twitter.com/v7AWZzLizV

— Office of Nuclear Energy | US Department of Energy (@GovNuclear) February 2, 2026

This reactor will have to survive in the harsh environment of the Moon for at least 10 years. The special thing is that the nuclear reactor built on the moon will be light, safe and can be easily installed by robots or astronauts.

How will the effect be visible?

If this project is successful, there will be continuous supply of electricity on the moon. Testing will be easier for Mars mission. This nuclear power will reduce the time taken to deliver electricity. This project will also be a historic achievement for the mission of US President Donald Trump in which he had said that America has to be at the forefront in the world of space.

Moon.

How many benefits?

Millions of units of electricity can be generated from a little uranium through a nuclear reactor. Experts call it more powerful than coal-oil. Carbon pollution is very less. Nuclear reactor does not release carbon dioxide, which is why it proves helpful in fighting climate change. Provides continuous electricity and eliminates dependence on weather like solar wind.