By Melody Warnick
The moon is having a moment. As NASA and China make plans to establish permanent lunar outposts where astronauts can live, work, and launch deep-space research, they are also considering how to generate enough power to keep those stations running.
That is why the U.S. government is pushing to deploy a nuclear reactor on the moon’s surface by 2030. But how safe is it to send a nuclear reactor into space? Alireza Haghighat, a nuclear engineering expert at Virginia Tech, says it is not as risky as it might sound. Below, he explains the technology, challenges, and potential safety concerns.
Why is nuclear power so important for living on the moon?
“Solar and radioisotope power already support space exploration, but living and working on the moon will require more dependable power. Nuclear reactors can supply electricity for years, during long lunar nights and in areas that never receive sunlight.”
What's the biggest technical challenge to putting a nuclear reactor on the moon?
“One of the biggest challenges is making the whole power system small and light enough to transport and set up on the moon. That includes the reactor, shielding, and equipment to generate electricity and remove waste heat. Everything must survive launch and landing and work reliably with little maintenance.”
How safe would a lunar nuclear reactor be? What happens if the rocket carrying it explodes during launch?
“Two main concerns in the event of an explosion are fuel dispersal and unintended reactor criticality — a self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction. Fresh uranium fuel is significantly less radioactive than used fuel, but it can still be harmful if inhaled or swallowed. However, a criticality accident is highly unlikely. As with terrestrial reactors, accident analyses and risk evaluations must be performed as part of the safety review and licensing process.”
What’s one thing people might not understand about putting nuclear reactors on the moon?
“Lunar nuclear reactors supply electricity for living and working on the moon, while nuclear propulsion reactors help move spacecraft. These reactors would be built and tested on Earth, then sent to the moon for setup and operation. Nuclear power could provide the long-term energy needed to sustain a permanent human presence on the moon.”
