The White House has issued a directive launching a coordinated initiative to accelerate development of space nuclear power systems to support U.S. scientific, exploration, and national security missions.
The memorandum directs NASA and the Department of War to advance low to mid-power space reactors for use in orbit and on the lunar surface, while preparing for higher-power systems in the 2030s. NASA is instructed to begin a program within 30 days to develop a mid-power reactor for lunar surface power and nuclear electric propulsion, targeting launch readiness by 2030.
NASA will work with multiple vendors and narrow to no more than two reactor designs within a year, focusing on systems capable of producing at least 20 kilowatts of electric power for multi-year missions. The Department of War is tasked with deploying a mission-capable mid-power reactor by 2031 and evaluating operational use.
The Department of Energy will support development through research, fuel supply, and infrastructure, while the directive calls for fixed-price contracts and private sector participation to streamline costs and timelines. The Office of Science and Technology Policy will oversee implementation and deliver a roadmap within 90 days, with regular progress reports to the President.
Read the Directive: WhiteHouse.Gov
