NASA is progressing with plans to deploy a nuclear reactor, known as the Fission Surface Power System, on the Moon. The agency issued a Request For Information (RFI) to assess industry interest, requiring preliminary interest registration by August 21. The reactor must weigh under 15 metric tons and produce at least 100 kWe of power, employing a closed Brayton cycle for energy conversion. Successful implementation would support lunar activities and potentially aid Mars missions where solar energy is limited.
NASA's Fission Surface Power System aims to deploy a nuclear reactor on the Moon with less than 15 metric tons mass and a minimum output of 100 kWe.
The reactor will utilize a closed Brayton cycle power conversion system, critical for generating substantial energy needed for lunar operations.
One hundred kilowatts of power from the reactor would surpass previous NASA nuclear power sources, sufficient for powering the ISS and supporting lunar operations during night.
NASA has extensive experience with nuclear power in space missions, including Atomic-powered rovers and the Apollo missions using RTGs.
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