NASA lunar nuclear power faces cost and supply hurdles

Experts at the U.S. Space Nuclear Industry Symposium have identified cost and production as primary obstacles to implementing nuclear power and propulsion for lunar missions. Vince Bilardo, executive director of nuclear space programs for Intuitive Machines, noted that radioisotope power systems (RPS) are essential for surviving the lunar night at the south pole.

To support NASA’s goal of establishing a lunar surface base by 2030, industry leaders are looking toward americium-241 as an alternative to plutonium-238, which is in short supply and prioritized for deep space science missions. However, americium is expensive, and significant coordination between NASA, the Department of Energy, and commercial industry is required to reduce costs.

Additional challenges include the lack of insurance or indemnity options for private commercial missions carrying radioactive materials. Meanwhile, NASA continues to plan for the launch of its first fission reactor for the Moon Base by 2030.