NASA Plans to put a Nuclear Reactor on the Moon

Syllabus: GS3/Space

Context

• The US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) is expected to fast-track plans to build a nuclear reactor on the moon by 2030.

About

• The reactor is said to be part of the country’s broader ambitions to set up a permanent base for humans to live on the lunar surface.
• It is a 100-kilowatt reactor, smaller than on-shore wind turbines that typically generate 2-3 megawatts.
• Nasa’s accelerated push to build a nuclear reactor on the moon comes after similar announcements from China and Russia.
  • China and Russia aim to build automated nuclear power stations on the moon by 2035.
  • Several other nations, including India and Japan, are also racing to explore the lunar surface with plans to establish permanent human settlements.

International Legal Framework 

• Outer Space Treaty (1967): 
  • Permissible: It permits peaceful purposes on the Moon and other celestial bodies and bans nuclear weapons/WMD anywhere in space or on celestial bodies.
  • Article IX: States must act with due regard to interests of others, hence, no territorial claims can be made.
• Liability Convention (1972): Launching State is absolutely liable for damage on Earth/aircraft; fault-based liability for damage in space/on the Moon. It also provides claims/settlement machinery.
• Moon Agreement (1979) (few parties; not widely accepted): It adds environmental and rescue duties on the Moon; recognizes the Moon’s resources as the “common heritage”. Applies only to its Parties.
• 1992 UN Principles: Non-binding resolution recognising the role of nuclear power in missions where solar is insufficient; lays down safety, transparency, and consultation guidelines.
• India is a signatory to the outer space treaty, but not to the Moon Agreement. India is also a signatory to the Artemis Accords (2023) in which parties commit to transparency, safety zones and data sharing.

Why the New Race?

• First mover in building nuclear reactors on Moon could:
  • Shape norms, behaviours, and legal interpretations.
  • Control access to strategic areas (e.g., lunar south pole with water ice).
  • Gain geopolitical leverage by anchoring long-term facilities.

Why Nuclear over Solar?

• The Moon has little atmosphere and experiences 14-day stretches of darkness, this makes solar energy unreliable in some of the most critical regions.
• A small lunar reactor could operate continuously for a decade or more, powering habitats, rovers, 3D printers and life-support systems. 
• Developing this capability is essential for missions to Mars, where solar power is even more constrained.

Concerns

• There is a lack of legally binding global rules for nuclear waste disposal on the Moon.
• Risk of radioactive contamination if accidents occur during launch or lunar operations.
• Possible conflicts over safety zones and site access in resource-rich areas.
• Challenges in verifying compliance due to difficulty in on-site inspection.
• Potential geopolitical tensions over technology transfer and reactor deployment.

Way Forward

• Develop national space nuclear safety law aligned with OST and 1992 UN Safety Framework.
• Strengthen inter-agency coordination between space and nuclear regulators.
• Promote transparency and consultation through Artemis Accords.
• Invest in research for safer, smaller reactors with minimal environmental impact.
• Plan international cooperation for emergency response, waste management, and long-term stewardship of nuclear sites on the Moon.

Source: IE