US, Russia and China Race to Build Nuclear Reactors on the Moon

A new strategic race is emerging in space as the United States, Russia and China explore plans to deploy nuclear reactors on the Moon. The three powers see nuclear energy as crucial for establishing permanent lunar bases, supporting resource exploration and enabling deeper space missions. According to reports, NASA aims to deploy a continuously operating nuclear reactor near the Moon’s south pole by December 2030, while Russia is reportedly working with China on plans for a reactor called Selena by 2036 to provide power to China-led lunar facilities. Nuclear reactors are considered more reliable than solar power for long-term operations because they can generate electricity even during the Moon’s extended nights. NASA’s proposed Lunar Reactor-1 is expected to generate around 20 kilowatts of power for up to five years, while Russia’s proposed Selena reactor could produce up to 10 kilowatts and operate autonomously for about a decade.

The plans, however, are raising significant safety and geopolitical concerns. Scientists warn that launch failures or accidents could create risks involving radioactive materials, while protecting astronauts and equipment from radiation on the Moon would require specialised infrastructure. The US and Russia are reportedly considering sending their reactors to the Moon in a non-operational state to reduce risks during transportation. The issue also raises questions over lunar ownership and access. Under the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, countries cannot claim the Moon as sovereign territory, but questions remain over access to facilities, surrounding areas and lunar resources. The possibility of nuclear-powered bases creating restricted zones is adding to US concerns and accelerating NASA’s plans. Legal experts have also raised questions about whether some proposed activities could conflict with international space law. For now, however, the projects remain at the planning stage, and the countries involved still have to demonstrate that their reactors can be safely deployed and operated on the Moon.