Power play: why NASA is betting on nuclear to outpace rivals on the Moon

The Moon’s two-week nights make solar power unreliable, pushing NASA to consider nuclear reactors for future missions. AP - Marco Ugarte

The United States is racing to build nuclear power reactors for the Moon, with the first system planned for the end of the decade. This would keep astronauts alive through weeks-long lunar nights, as well as powering permanent bases and outposts – and giving Washington an edge over China and Russia in a new space race.

NASA confirmed in a directive signed at the end of July that it will appoint a nuclear power czar and select two commercial proposals for the project within six months.