NASA is preparing a nuclear power plant on the Moon

JAKARTA - The construction of a nuclear reactor on the Moon will help NASA ensure a reliable electricity supply for future lunar missions.

"We want to reach a stage where we generate tens of kilowatts of electricity, and a nuclear reactor on the surface of the Moon is the way to go. So we will conduct experiments and eventually build that capability," said NASA's Executive Program for the Moon Base Carlos Garcia-Galandalam in an interview with RIA Novosti.

He explained that although NASA can make use of solar energy, in the shadow-filled areas of the Moon, solar energy alone is not enough to support the systems needed for sustainable human existence.

"So nuclear is the next step, starting with a radioisotope heating unit on the initial asset so that it can survive through the night," he continued.

NASA plans to conduct a series of experiments and gradually build the necessary technological capabilities.

In March, the US space agency announced plans to build a permanent base on the Moon in three phases.

The first phase includes the delivery of cargo and equipment to build basic energy, science, and communication infrastructure.

The second phase is developing habitable infrastructure similar to Earth and logistics with the contribution of international space agencies.

The last stage is targeted to allow long-term human presence on the Moon.