NASA is progressing with plans to have a fission power system on the Moon by 2030. This is a constant source of lunar power needed in the long term sustenance of human activities, since solar cannot be used during the long lunar night, or in the permanently shadowed areas. The creation of lunar power would be essential in future discovery.

Highlights:

• NASA's goal is operational lunar surface fission power by 2030.
• Solar power is ineffective during the Moon's 14-day night.
• Continuous lunar power is necessary for crew safety and base operations.
• The reactor will be compact, pre-built, and transported from Earth.
• This technology enables long-term human presence on the Moon.

Solar panels produce energy during a lunar day and are not able to operate throughout the long night. Without constant energy, the temperatures fall below -280 oF. Batteries do not have the capacity to keep two weeks charged. Constant energy is obtained by fission lunar power and is used to support life, communications, heating and scientific work.

A fission reactor can provide consistent lunar power anywhere, at any time, and independent of whether it is under sunlight or not. The system designed by NASA is remotely operated; NASA aims at safety as its first priority. Launch follows terrestrial building and testing. This reliable lunar energy can be used throughout any location on the Moon and not just in sunlit spots.

High lunar-power would facilitate permanent human settlements, and large exploration. It facilitates important functions in habitats and the exploration of areas of scientific interest that are shady. The realisation of operational lunar power is an aspect NASA needs to achieve its long-term lunar exploration goals.