Science fiction, it seems, is rapidly becoming science fact. The idea of nuclear power on the Moon—a plot that might have felt at home in a classic novel or a big-budget film—is now on the agenda of the world’s most powerful space agencies. As reported by Bloomberg Opinion on August 17, 2025, the line between futuristic fantasy and reality is blurring: nuclear reactors on the lunar surface are no longer the stuff of wild speculation. The race is on, and it’s about more than just planting flags or leaving footprints in the dust.
According to The Conversation, China took a bold step in April 2025, unveiling its plans to construct a nuclear power plant on the Moon by 2035. The goal? To support an ambitious international lunar research station, a project that could redefine humanity’s relationship with our nearest celestial neighbor. Not to be outdone, the United States responded in August, with acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy suggesting that a U.S. reactor could be operational on the Moon as early as 2030. This isn’t just a new chapter in the space race—it’s a contest to build, to inhabit, and, crucially, to influence.
But how did we get here? The idea of using nuclear power in space is far from new. Since the 1960s, both the United States and the Soviet Union have relied on radioisotope generators—devices that use small amounts of radioactive material to power satellites, Mars rovers, and even the legendary Voyager probes. As The Conversation points out, the United Nations addressed this reality in 1992 with its Principles Relevant to the Use of Nuclear Power Sources in Outer Space. This nonbinding resolution acknowledges that nuclear energy might be essential for missions where solar power simply won’t cut it. It sets out guidelines for safety, transparency, and international consultation—crucial steps for a technology with such far-reaching implications.
What’s striking is that, under current international law, there’s nothing to prohibit the peaceful use of nuclear power on the Moon. The key, as experts like Michelle L.D. Hanlon, professor of air and space law at the University of Mississippi, emphasize, is how countries deploy these reactors. "If deployed responsibly, it could allow countries to peacefully explore the Moon, fuel their economic growth and test out technologies for deeper space missions," Hanlon observes. But the stakes are high: the first nation to successfully establish a nuclear reactor on the lunar surface could set the tone for others, shaping not only technical standards but also the legal and diplomatic norms of lunar activity.
The legal framework governing these activities is anchored by the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, ratified by all major spacefaring nations—including the U.S., China, and Russia. Article IX of the treaty requires states to act with "due regard to the corresponding interests of all other States Parties," meaning that the placement of a nuclear reactor creates both legal and physical boundaries. If a reactor anchors a larger, long-term facility, it could quietly shape what other countries are able to do nearby, and how their moves are interpreted under international law.
Other provisions of the treaty are equally significant. While it prohibits any country from claiming sovereignty over the Moon, it does allow for the establishment of installations such as bases. These installations, in turn, can give their operators a degree of control over access—visits by other countries are encouraged as a transparency measure, but must be preceded by prior consultation. In practice, the country that builds the infrastructure can exert considerable influence, even if not outright ownership.
This is especially important when it comes to the lunar south pole. According to The Conversation, this region is rich in resources, most notably ice trapped in perpetually shadowed craters. That ice could be used to produce rocket fuel or sustain human life, making the area a prime target for scientific and commercial activity. But the same craters that hold this valuable resource also present a significant challenge: sunlight never reaches their depths, making solar power unreliable or even impossible. In these conditions, nuclear reactors could operate continuously for a decade or more, providing the energy needed for habitats, rovers, 3D printers, and life-support systems.
The implications are profound. Building infrastructure in these resource-rich regions could cement a country’s ability to access—and perhaps control—vital lunar resources. While the Outer Space Treaty encourages cooperation and peaceful use, the reality is that whoever builds first will have a functional advantage, if not a legal one. As Hanlon puts it, "Building infrastructure is not staking a territorial claim. No one can own the Moon, but one country setting up a reactor could shape where and how others operate – functionally, if not legally."
Of course, not everyone is convinced this is a purely positive development. Critics raise concerns about radiation risks, especially in the harsh and unpredictable environment of the Moon. Even if reactors are designed for peaceful use and are properly contained, they introduce new environmental and operational hazards. However, the United Nations guidelines do call for rigorous safety protocols, and, if followed, these could potentially mitigate many of the risks.
There’s also the matter of governance. The United States, for its part, has an opportunity to lead not just in technological innovation but in setting the standards for transparency and peaceful use. By sharing its plans openly and reaffirming its commitment to international participation, the U.S. could encourage others to follow suit, reducing the risk of misunderstandings or conflict. "The future of the Moon won’t be determined by who plants the most flags. It will be determined by who builds what, and how," Hanlon notes. "Building transparently and in line with international guidelines would allow countries to more safely realize that future."
It’s not just about the Moon, either. The experience and technology developed for lunar reactors will be essential for the next steps in human space exploration, particularly missions to Mars, where solar power is even more constrained. The infrastructure race unfolding on the lunar surface may well set the stage for humanity’s expansion deeper into the solar system.
So, are we all living in a sci-fi novel? Maybe. But as the world’s superpowers vie to build the first nuclear reactor on the Moon, the story is being written in real time—and its consequences will resonate far beyond our little blue planet.
