Core Viewpoint - The U.S. plans to accelerate the construction of a nuclear reactor on the Moon to support future lunar exploration and establish a reliable energy source for deep space missions [1][3]. Group 1: Project Overview - The goal is to launch and deploy a 100 kW nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030, with a directive for NASA to consult industry experts within 60 days [1]. - NASA is collaborating with the U.S. Department of Energy and industry to develop a 40 kW lunar surface nuclear fission power system, expected to be deployed in the early 2030s [2]. Group 2: Technical Advantages - Nuclear reactors can provide continuous and reliable power, unlike solar panels that may be affected by the Moon's long nights [4]. - A simple lunar base for a small number of astronauts would require megawatt-level power, making nuclear reactors an ideal solution [6]. Group 3: Feasibility and Challenges - There are significant technical challenges, including the safe launch of radioactive materials and the need for special permits [9]. - Funding remains uncertain, especially with proposed budget cuts to NASA's scientific budget and delays in the Artemis program [9]. - No private company has yet demonstrated reliable lunar landing capabilities, which is critical for the project's success [9].

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. plans to accelerate the construction of a nuclear reactor on the Moon to support future space exploration missions, with a target to deploy a 100-kilowatt reactor by 2030 [1][3]. Group 1: Project Details - The initiative aims to establish a timeline for the lunar nuclear reactor project, with a directive for NASA to consult industry experts within 60 days and appoint a project leader [1]. - The nuclear reactor is expected to provide a reliable power source for various operations on the Moon, including habitation, life support systems, scientific experiments, and industrial activities [4][6]. Group 2: Technical Considerations - Nuclear fission technology is deemed crucial for deep space exploration, as it can deliver continuous power unaffected by lunar environmental conditions, unlike solar panels [3][4]. - Current designs for small reactors suggest that deploying a reactor on the Moon by 2030 is technically feasible if sufficient funding is allocated [6]. Group 3: Challenges and Concerns - There are significant technical challenges, including the safe transport of radioactive materials and the management of waste heat [7]. - Funding uncertainties exist, as NASA's budget has faced cuts, and there is no clear financial backing for the lunar reactor project [7]. - The reliability of private sector partners for launching the reactor remains questionable, with no U.S. company currently demonstrating the necessary capabilities [7].

新华社北京8月6日电 据多家美国媒体报道，美国交通部长兼国家航空航天局（NASA）代理局长肖恩· 达菲近日将宣布，美国将加快推进在月球上建设核反应堆的计划。这是达菲今年被任命为代理局长以来 主导的首项重大举措。 美航天局近来面临遭美国政府削减科研预算、缩减科研项目和裁员的窘境。此外，这项计划还有多种技 术难题待解，也尚不明确将依靠哪家企业发射核反应堆。美国为何计划在月球上建造核反应堆？这项计 划的实施前景如何？ 核能优势明显 为月球设计的核反应堆需要适应与地球截然不同的环境，月球上没有大气层，还存在极端温差以及长时 间的昼夜交替。 不同于可能受月球长达两周黑夜影响而无法发电的太阳能电池组，基于裂变的核反应堆能持续、可靠地 提供电力，以支持居住区、生命维持系统、科学实验，以及采矿和燃料生产等工业操作。 5月27日，美国太空探索技术公司新一代重型运载火箭"星舰"在得克萨斯州实施第九次试飞。新华社/美 联 计划2030年前实现 据媒体披露的一份达菲的指令，加快在月球表面建造反应堆的计划有助于推进美国月球探索任务。该计 划将明确为美航天局此前构想的月球核反应堆项目设定具体时间表，目标是在2030年前完成一座100千 ...