"NASA's Nuclear Power Initiative: Fueling Lunar and Martian Exploration"
NASA's Fission Surface Power Project is concluding its initial phase, aiming to develop a small nuclear fission reactor for potential use on the Moon and Mars. Three commercial partners have been awarded contracts to design the reactor, with a focus on safety, reliability, and the ability to operate for a decade without human intervention. The reactor, capable of producing 40 kilowatts of electrical power, could provide a sustainable energy source for lunar exploration and science efforts, particularly during the 14-and-a-half Earth day-long lunar nights. NASA plans to extend the Phase 1 contracts to gather more information before moving into Phase 2, with a target date for delivering a reactor to the launch pad in the early 2030s.