The competition to return to the Moon has shifted from exploration to construction, with nuclear power emerging as a central element.
Both the United States and China have outlined plans to deploy nuclear reactors on the lunar surface within the next decade, aiming to provide continuous energy for research stations and future settlements.
China has announced a target of completing a lunar nuclear plant by 2035 to support its planned international research base, while the US has indicated it could have a reactor operating as early as 2030.
These developments build on years of work by national space agencies and energy departments to develop small-scale nuclear systems capable of running habitats, mining equipment, and other long-term infrastructure beyond Earth.
International space law does not forbid the peaceful use of nuclear power off-planet.
The 1967 Outer Space Treaty — ratified by all major spacefaring nations — permits the establishment of installations on the Moon, provided they do not constitute a territorial claim and are operated with due regard for the interests of other states.
The United Nations’ 1992 principles on nuclear power sources in space also recommend safety measures, transparency, and consultation.
Being first to deploy such technology could carry strategic advantages.
A functioning reactor could anchor a larger base, influence where other countries operate, and shape emerging norms on lunar activity.
While all states retain the right to explore and use the Moon, the presence of sensitive infrastructure could give its operator practical control over access in surrounding areas.
The choice of nuclear power stems from the Moon’s harsh environment.
Two-week nights, permanently shadowed craters, and the lack of atmosphere limit solar energy’s effectiveness — especially in regions such as the south pole, where ice deposits could support future missions.
A compact reactor could deliver steady power for more than a decade, enabling operations in these resource-rich but sunless zones.
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Safety remains a concern. Even with robust design and containment, reactors carry environmental and operational risks.
International guidelines outline strict protocols, and adherence to these will be critical for minimising hazards and building trust.
In the coming years, the competition to establish energy infrastructure on the Moon is likely to be as significant as the race to land there in the 20th century.
The question will be not only who reaches the Moon, but who can power its future — and how that power is governed.
