In recent years, NASA and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) have collaborated to develop and demonstrate nuclear fission power systems capable of supporting long-duration human missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. These efforts aim to provide astronauts with a reliable and continuous energy source, essential for sustaining life and operations in extraterrestrial environments.
The Kilopower Project: A Milestone in Fission Power Development
One of the most significant achievements in this endeavor is the Kilopower Reactor Using Stirling Technology (KRUSTY) experiment, conducted between November 2017 and March 2018 at the Nevada National Security Site. This demonstration successfully validated the viability of a small, lightweight fission power system capable of generating up to 10 kilowatts of electrical power—sufficient to support several average households continuously for at least a decade. Such a system is particularly advantageous for lunar missions, where prolonged periods of darkness pose challenges for solar power generation. ([nasa.gov](
Advancements in Fission Surface Power Systems
Building upon the Kilopower project's success, NASA's Fission Surface Power project aims to develop a 40-kilowatt class fission power system. This system is designed to provide continuous power for lunar and Martian habitats, rovers, and other equipment, ensuring sustained human presence on these celestial bodies. The project focuses on creating a system that is lightweight, autonomous, and capable of operating in harsh extraterrestrial environments. ([nasa.gov](
Recent Developments and Future Plans
In 2022, NASA awarded contracts to three U.S. companies to develop initial designs for the fission surface power system. These designs include the reactor, power conversion, heat rejection, and power management and distribution systems, with the goal of demonstrating the technology on the Moon by the late 2020s. This demonstration is a critical step toward establishing a sustainable human presence on the lunar surface. ([nasa.gov](
Collaboration with the Department of Energy
The collaboration between NASA and the DOE leverages decades of expertise in nuclear technology. The DOE's National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) has been instrumental in reactor design and testing, ensuring that the systems meet rigorous safety and performance standards. This partnership underscores the importance of inter-agency cooperation in advancing space exploration technologies. ([nasa.gov](
Implications for Future Space Exploration
The successful development and deployment of fission surface power systems are pivotal for the future of human space exploration. Reliable and continuous power sources are essential for life support, scientific research, and operational activities on the Moon and Mars. By addressing the challenges associated with energy generation in space, NASA and the DOE are laying the groundwork for sustained human exploration beyond Earth.