White House Directs DOE, DoD, and NASA to Develop Lunar Nuclear Power Systems Targeting 2028 Launch

# US Agencies Tasked with Developing Lunar Nuclear Power by 2028 Under White House Directive

Policy Directive for Lunar Nuclear Power Michael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, announced a White House policy at the Space Symposium on April 14, 2026, directing the Department of Energy, Department of Defense, and NASA to develop space nuclear power systems that could launch as soon as 2028.

Development of small, transportable nuclear power for use on the moon’s surface involves the Department of Energy, the Department of Defense, and NASA, Kratsios stated. The space nuclear power systems technology will power exploration, fuel operations on the lunar surface, and pave the way for missions to Mars. U.S.

The policy aims to enable a sustainable lunar presence to support exploration and future Mars missions. The Trump administration is taking a whole-of-government approach to developing technology for deep-space exploration and a long-term lunar presence.

Kratsios stated during a panel discussion at the Space Symposium on April 14, 2026, that there is a new vision for American space superiority in the national security context.

Artemis II Mission Success The Artemis II lunar mission succeeded in flying around the moon on April 6, 2026.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman stated that the Artemis II trip around the moon was a true test mission that validated critical hardware, navigation, and life support systems necessary for America's return to the lunar surface to build a moon base. Trump administration officials described the mission as advancing US goals for lunar exploration and long-term presence.

Isaacman spoke at the annual Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on April 14, 2026. He stated that NASA is already underway on what comes next after the Artemis II success. Isaacman emphasized NASA's commitment to sustained lunar exploration following the mission's success.

Panel Discussion at Space Symposium The panel discussion at the Space Symposium on April 14, 2026, included Jared Isaacman, Michael Kratsios, and Space Foundation CEO Heather Pringle.

Kratsios spoke at the Space Symposium on April 14, 2026.

China's Moon Program Progress A Chinese government official confirmed in October 2025 that China's manned space program is on track for a crewed moon landing by 2030.

Zhang Jingbo, spokesperson for the China Manned Space Program, stated that each program of the research and development work of putting a person on the moon is progressing smoothly. Zhang Jingbo cited the Long March 10 rocket, moon landing suits, and exploration vehicle as fruitful efforts in China's moon program.