NASA seeks industry feedback on draft SPARC contract for lunar nuclear reactor

NASA’s Glenn Research Center has released a draft Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Space Power and Reactor Capabilities (SPARC) contract. This proposed multiple-award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract aims to support the design, development, testing, and certification of space nuclear systems.

A primary focus of the SPARC solicitation is the Lunar Reactor-1 (LR-1) program. Following a 2026 agreement between NASA and the U.S. Department of Energy, the agency intends to develop a fission system capable of providing continuous electrical power on the lunar surface for several years without refueling. The LR-1 is currently targeted for a 2030 landing.

The LR-1 Phase 1 task orders are expected to focus on hardware, testing, and flight-oriented design, targeting a 20 kWe output using HALEU fuel. NASA is seeking industry feedback on the draft solicitation through September 25, with an industry day scheduled for mid-September. The final RFP is expected to be released around November.