NASA's Lunar Power Challenges: Fiscal Hurdles and Student Lab Advancements

Advocates of nuclear power systems for lunar exploration are urging NASA to find ways to continue development despite fiscal challenges and competing priorities. NASA selected three teams for phase 1 studies of fission surface power systems, which are small nuclear reactors intended to support the Artemis lunar exploration campaign. However, the future of the program is uncertain due to potential difficulties in securing funding for the next phase. Advocates argue that these power systems are essential for long-term lunar exploration, as they provide a reliable source of energy during the two-week lunar night.