politics
White House Directs DOE, DoD, and NASA to Develop Lunar Nuclear Power Systems Targeting 2028 Launch
The White House directed the Department of Energy, Department of Defense, and NASA to develop space nuclear power systems for lunar use, with a launch target of 2028. Officials at the Space Symposium in Colorado Springs stated that a permanent U.S. moon base with nuclear power is crucial before China or Russia establishes one.
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# US Agencies Tasked with Developing Lunar Nuclear Power by 2028 Under White House Directive
Officials announced a White House policy at the Space Symposium on April 14, 2026, directing the Department of Energy, the 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, officials 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.
Officials 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.
The Artemis II lunar mission succeeded in flying around the moon on April 6, 2026.
Officials described the mission as 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.
Officials spoke at the annual Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on April 14, 2026. They stated that NASA is already underway on what comes next after the Artemis II success. Officials emphasized NASA's commitment to sustained lunar exploration following the mission's success.
