NASA’s interim administrator has ordered the development of a 100 kilowatt reactor for the Moon and directed a full transition from the ISS to commercial platforms by decade’s end.
At a Glance
- NASA seeks industry proposals for a 100 kW nuclear reactor for lunar use by 2030
- Directive issued by interim administrator Sean Duffy, a political appointee with no technical space background
- Second directive mandates shift to at least two commercial space stations replacing the ISS
- U.S. officials frame lunar power as key to maintaining space access amid rising Chinese competition
- NASA budget realignment favors crewed missions while cutting back science programs
Strategic Acceleration Orders
NASA acting administrator Sean Duffy has instructed the agency to solicit industry input for the rapid development of a 100 kilowatt fission surface power reactor to be deployed on the Moon. This directive, issued in early August, sets a deadline of 60 days for public and private entities to provide feedback on technical feasibility. The proposed power system would be triple the output of previously funded prototypes and is viewed as essential for establishing a permanent presence in high-priority lunar regions.
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A key rationale for the accelerated timeline is to prevent other nations, particularly China, from being the first to install power infrastructure on the Moon, which some officials fear could lead to informal exclusion zones around resource-rich sites. Duffy emphasized that the U.S. must maintain leadership in the “second space race,” citing power generation as a strategic priority alongside mobility and habitation.
Commercial Orbit Replacements
In a second directive, Duffy has ordered NASA to ensure the existence of at least two commercial orbital stations to succeed the aging International Space Station by 2030. This directive includes a timeline for awarding contracts within six months of request issuance. It aligns with NASA’s broader plan to end government-led operations in low Earth orbit and transfer responsibility to private companies.
Several firms, including Axiom Space, Blue Origin, and Vast, have expressed intent to develop such platforms. The Biden-era roadmap for commercial low Earth orbit destinations remains underfunded, and congressional committees have raised concerns that existing budget commitments may be insufficient to meet the new schedule.
Administrative Context and Budget Shifts
Duffy was appointed as interim administrator after the withdrawal of a prior nominee and continues to serve concurrently as Secretary of Transportation. His appointment has drawn scrutiny due to the absence of technical or aerospace credentials, though the administration has defended the move as necessary for interagency cohesion. The new directives come during a period of significant internal restructuring within NASA, with a marked funding pivot from science to human spaceflight programs.
NASA’s 2026 budget proposal includes deep reductions in Earth science and heliophysics, while maintaining or increasing funding for lunar crewed missions and Artemis-related infrastructure. Nearly 300 current and former NASA personnel have raised safety concerns over what they describe as weakening internal oversight mechanisms.
Global Spacepower Considerations
The timing of the new directives reflects geopolitical urgency. China’s Tiangong space station is now the only other permanent orbital outpost, and Chinese lunar missions have targeted the same south pole regions identified by Artemis planners. Officials have warned that first-mover advantage in power and mobility systems could lead to de facto territorial control in space.
In addition, Duffy has revived high-level engagement with Roscosmos, marking the first direct talks between U.S. and Russian space chiefs in seven years. Discussions covered ISS transition planning and possible coordination of future lunar infrastructure efforts.