Hello,

Last week, the Trump administration revealed plans to build a nuclear reactor on the moon’s surface, which kind of sounds like the premise of a sci-fi movie—and a bad one, too. NASA is expediting its efforts to launch a fission reactor to the moon and is now targeting a 2030 launch, as announced by the space agency’s administrator, Sean Duffy.

 

Why is NASA in such a hurry? Lunar land is limited, and while nations cannot claim ownership of space on the moon, they also can’t encroach on infrastructure already built by others. Therefore, the premium real estate is available for whomever arrives first. That provides the context for the second space race, a sequel—sixty years in the making—to get back to the moon (which sounds like a slightly better sci-fi movie). The cast is the same, except this time Russia is expected to be partnered with China on a joint project.

 

NASA’s plans are ambitious, and they’re currently searching for companies that can build a reactor fit for space travel by the deadline. Nuclear stocks have rallied in response to the developments. The space agency had previously granted $5m to companies like Lockheed Martin to design a compact reactor, but it’s unclear exactly how lucrative a final contract could be.

 

As always, if you wish to discuss anything in further detail, please do get in touch.