The United States has unveiled an ambitious plan to lead global space exploration and defense through the National Initiative for American Space Nuclear Power, targeting the deployment of nuclear reactors in orbit by 2028 and on the lunar surface by 2030. This directive, issued under Executive Order 14369 signed on December 18, 2025, positions the country to harness nuclear technology for commerce, exploration, and national security.
Under the guidance of the Office of Science and Technology Policy and Director Michael Kratsios, the initiative coordinates efforts across federal agencies, including NASA and the Department of War.
NASA will kickstart the program within 30 days, focusing on a mid-power lunar fission surface power reactor ready for launch by 2030, alongside a nuclear electric propulsion variant. These reactors are designed to deliver at least 20 kWe for a minimum of three years in orbit and five years on the moon, with at least one design extensible to 100 kWe.
The Department of War, pending funding, aims to deploy a mission-enabling mid-power in-space reactor by 2031. During the initiative’s first year, the DoW will channel its space nuclear funding into NASA’s development efforts, before partnering with at least two competing vendors in the second year for its own fission power systems. Both agencies are encouraged to share costs on ground infrastructure and leverage designs from private sector participants to drive efficiency.
NASA is also tasked with developing a high-power reactor, capable of producing at least 100 kWe, for launch in the 2030s. This system will build on earlier achievements and prioritize integrated designs for in-space propulsion and surface power needs. Private sector innovation is a cornerstone of the strategy, with agencies using firm fixed-price contracts and milestone-based payments to incentivize rapid progress.
The Department of Energy plays a critical role, providing uranium for reactor fuel when commercial sources fall short and assessing the readiness of the U.S. nuclear industrial base to produce up to four space reactors within five years. Within 60 days, the DoE is to deliver a report on design capabilities, long-lead components, and fuel production gaps.
The Office of Science and Technology Policy will develop a roadmap within 90 days to address obstacles and streamline regulatory processes, ensuring safety and environmental assessments align with the aggressive timelines. The initiative’s focus on cost-effectiveness and measurable results underscores a commitment to fiscal responsibility while pushing technological boundaries.
Parallel design competitions between NASA and the DoW aim to accelerate innovation, with NASA downselecting to no more than two reactor designs within a year based on cost, schedule, and mission suitability. The ultimate goal is clear: establish U.S. dominance in space nuclear power by meeting near-term deployment targets, starting with the 2028 orbital reactor launch.
A full implementation roadmap for the initiative is expected to be delivered by the Office of Science and Technology Policy within 90 days.
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