NASA Accelerates Moon Nuclear Reactor, New ISS Plans

NASA's new administrator, Sean Duffy, has directed the agency to fast-track the construction of a nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030, aiming to reinforce American leadership in space amid growing competition with China and Russia. The directive highlights the importance of a U.S. lunar reactor to prevent potential 'keep-out' zones that could hinder the Artemis lunar program and future Mars missions. Duffy has mandated industry consultation and the appointment of a project leader within 60 days to accelerate the timeline. The initiative reflects the Trump administration's focus on crewed spaceflight and increased funding for human exploration, even as other science programs face budget cuts. Duffy is also advancing plans to replace the International Space Station with commercial alternatives, signaling a greater role for public-private partnerships in space policy. These steps underscore heightened national security and economic concerns as international competition for lunar and Martian exploration escalates.