NASA wants to put a nuclear reactor on the moon by 2030 – choosing where is tricky | AI News Digest
NASA has announced plans to deploy a nuclear fission reactor on the moon by 2030, aiming to establish a U.S. presence before China's planned lunar mission. This reactor will provide essential power for future lunar bases and support missions to Mars, as solar energy is less effective there. The agency is currently evaluating optimal locations for the reactor, particularly near water ice deposits crucial for sustaining human life. Additionally, NASA must address challenges related to protecting the reactor from lunar regolith stirred up by landing spacecraft. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to utilize local resources for long-term human exploration beyond Earth.
