NASA to Build Nuclear Reactor on the Moon to Beat China and Russia

The space race just got real and this time, it’s about who controls the moon.

NASA is now fast-tracking plans to build and launch a nuclear reactor on the moon by 2030, with clear intentions: outpace China and Russia before they can lock down key lunar territory. Acting NASA Administrator and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy made the announcement Tuesday, warning that America is falling behind in a race that will define not just the next frontier of exploration, but global power itself.

“We’re in a race to the moon in a race with China,” Duffy said at a press conference. “To have a base on the moon, we need energy... and this technology is critically important.”

Here’s why it matters:

• China and Russia have both announced ambitions to power permanent lunar bases using nuclear reactors by the mid-2030s.

• If they get there first, they could declare a “keep-out” zone, effectively blocking the U.S. from deploying its Artemis program infrastructure.

• The U.S. reactor would generate at least 100 kilowatts of power, enough to sustain 80 American homes more than sufficient to fuel scientific operations, communications, and human life-support systems.

To get the job done, NASA plans to partner with private companies to develop, launch, and land the reactor using a heavy-class lunar lander. This directive is the first major move under Duffy since taking the reins at NASA following President Trump’s decision to withdraw Jared Isaacman’s nomination.

Let’s not forget: this isn’t just about science it’s about national security. If China and Russia dominate lunar space, they don’t just plant a flag they establish strategic military and economic leverage that would make Earth’s orbit look like amateur hour.

In Duffy’s own words, “We’re behind, right? If we’re going to engage in the race to the moon and the race to Mars, we have to get our act together.”

And he’s right. The Biden-era stagnation and obsession with climate rhetoric grounded America’s momentum in space. Now, with Trump reshaping the mission and pushing for dominance, the U.S. is finally setting its sights on strategic supremacy not just symbolic “diversity in space” milestones.

Three reasons this is a national priority:

• Strategic Positioning: A powered base means full-time presence on the moon’s surface essential for exploration, defense, and next-phase missions to Mars.

• Resource Control: The moon has rare-earth minerals and potential water sources that could revolutionize energy and manufacturing back on Earth.

• Geopolitical Signaling: A nuclear-powered American base sends a clear message: freedom leads the future of space not authoritarian regimes.

The urgency couldn’t be more real. While the media continues to obsess over SpaceX drama and political squabbles, China is quietly building an empire beyond Earth’s atmosphere. And Russia is more than happy to play backup.

The Trump administration’s focus on space isn’t vanity it’s vision. And the nuclear reactor plan proves this isn’t just another PR stunt. It’s a shot across the bow in a space race we can’t afford to lose.

Help us keep the pressure on and spread the truth share this article and subscribe to our newsletter for more real updates you won’t get from the corporate press.