Additional ideas include on-demand lunar 3D printing of replacement parts to support a durable, Earth-independent presence.

The memo envisions partnerships with private-sector innovators to develop cost-effective solutions and demonstrate technological viability for exploration, commerce, and defense in space.

Experts emphasize the Moon as a stepping-stone to broader space exploration, enabling technology testing and sustainable life support away from Earth.

The White House is directing NASA, the Department of Energy, and the Pentagon to compete in designing space nuclear reactors, aiming for in-orbit demonstrations by 2028 and Moon demonstrations by 2030 as part of a plan to embed nuclear power in space operations.

NASA Chief Jared Isaacman frames Artemis II as the start of a new era of exploration and argues that nuclear power is essential for establishing a permanent presence on the Moon.

A four-month-old memo outlines near-term demonstrations of low- to mid-power reactors in orbit and on the lunar surface to enable a sustained Moon base and future deep-space missions.

A core feature is heavy private-sector participation and an expanded industrial base, using fixed-price contracts, milestone-based payments, and parallel vendor competitions to accelerate deployment by integrating commercial supply chains.

The initiative promotes flexible contracting and parallel vendor competitions to broaden the involvement of private industry and strengthen the aerospace, energy, and manufacturing ecosystems around space nuclear power.

The push is portrayed as a major opportunity for aerospace, defense, energy, and advanced manufacturing firms, with potential federal funding while also noting policy hurdles to participation.

The plan argues that nuclear power will complement solar energy, which becomes vastly less effective in deep space beyond the outer planets.

There are existing U.S. efforts in terrestrial microreactors for military bases, with recent site selections and ongoing pilots indicating growing interest in microreactor technology.

The Moon Base concept aims to test technologies and operating concepts for longer deep-space missions, using the Moon as a platform for broader exploration.