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Nasa plans to establish nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030

A lunar reactor is being considered as a potential source of power for human presence on the Moon, however, its viability remains uncertain.

The US space agency Nasa is reportedly accelerating its plans to construct a nuclear reactor on the Moon, with a target completion date of 2030, as stated by US media outlets.

A concept image of NASA's Fission Surface Power Project

This initiative is part of a broader effort by the US to establish a permanent human settlement on the lunar surface, marking a significant milestone in space exploration.

According to a report by Politico, the acting head of Nasa referenced similar plans by China and Russia, noting that these countries may potentially establish restricted areas on the Moon, sparking concerns about the implications of such actions.

However, the feasibility of this goal and the accompanying timeframe have raised questions, particularly in light of recent and substantial Nasa budget reductions, with some scientists expressing concerns that the plans may be driven by geopolitical considerations rather than scientific objectives.

A growing number of nations, including the US, China, Russia, India, and Japan, are actively engaged in exploring the Moon's surface, with several countries aiming to establish permanent human settlements in the near future.

In a statement, US Transport Secretary Sean Duffy, who has been appointed as the temporary head of Nasa by President Donald Trump, emphasized the need for swift action, citing the importance of advancing critical technology to support a future lunar economy, high-power energy generation on Mars, and strengthening national security in space.

Duffy has called for proposals from commercial companies to design and build a nuclear reactor capable of generating a minimum of 100 kilowatts of power, a relatively modest amount compared to other power sources.

For context, a typical on-shore wind turbine can produce 2-3 megawatts of power, highlighting the relatively small scale of the proposed lunar reactor.

The concept of utilizing a nuclear reactor as a power source on the Moon is not a new idea, with Nasa having previously issued contracts to companies to design such reactors.

In 2022, Nasa awarded three contracts worth $5 million each to companies to develop reactor designs, marking an initial step towards making nuclear power a reality on the lunar surface.

More recently, China and Russia announced plans to collaborate on the construction of an automated nuclear power station on the Moon by 2035, further underscoring the growing interest in lunar energy production.

Many experts agree that nuclear power is likely the most viable option for providing continuous energy on the lunar surface, given the unique challenges posed by the Moon's environment.

The lunar day, which is equivalent to four weeks on Earth, consists of two weeks of continuous sunlight followed by two weeks of darkness, making it difficult to rely solely on solar power.

Dr. Sungwoo Lim, a senior lecturer in space applications at the University of Surrey, notes that even a modest lunar habitat would require megawatt-scale power generation, which cannot be reliably achieved with solar arrays and batteries alone.

In 2020 China's Chang'e-5 space probe took pictures of the Chinese flag planted on the Moon — In 2020 China planted a flag on the Moon on its Chang'e-5 mission

Lim emphasizes that nuclear energy is not only desirable but also inevitable for supporting human settlements on the Moon.

Lionel Wilson, a professor of earth and planetary sciences at Lancaster University, believes that it is technically possible to place nuclear reactors on the Moon by 2030, provided sufficient funding is allocated, and highlights the existence of designs for small reactors.

Wilson notes that the primary challenge lies in having enough Artemis launches to establish the necessary infrastructure on the Moon, referencing Nasa's Artemis spaceflight program.

Concerns have also been raised about the safety implications of launching radioactive materials through the Earth's atmosphere.

Dr. Simeon Barber, a planetary science specialist at the Open University, acknowledges that launching radioactive materials poses safety concerns, but notes that obtaining the necessary licenses and permits can mitigate these risks.

The directive from Duffy comes at a time of significant upheaval within Nasa, following the announcement of 24% budget cuts in 2026 by the Trump administration.

These cuts will affect a range of science programs, including the Mars Sample Return, which aims to retrieve samples from the planet's surface.

Some scientists have expressed concerns that the announcement is motivated by a desire to compete with other nations in the new lunar race, rather than being driven by scientific objectives.

Dr. Barber notes that the renewed focus on competition in space exploration is disappointing and concerning from a scientific perspective, as it may lead to a narrower focus on national interests rather than the broader goal of exploring the solar system.

Barber suggests that while competition can drive innovation, an overemphasis on national interests and establishing ownership may distract from the more significant objective of advancing scientific knowledge.

Duffy's comments about the potential for China and Russia to establish "keep-out zones" on the Moon appear to reference the Artemis Accords, an agreement signed by seven nations in 2020.

The Artemis Accords aim to establish principles for international cooperation on the Moon's surface, including the creation of safety zones around operations and assets.

These safety zones can be established around equipment and bases built on the Moon, potentially allowing countries to claim ownership and restrict access to certain areas.

Dr. Barber explains that establishing a nuclear reactor or base on the Moon could be used to claim a safety zone, effectively granting the operating country control over that area.

This raises concerns that the establishment of safety zones could be used to assert ownership and restrict access to certain areas of the Moon, undermining the principles of international cooperation.

Dr. Barber highlights the significant challenges that must be overcome before nuclear reactors can be safely and effectively used to support human settlements on the Moon.

Nasa's Artemis 3 mission, which aims to send humans to the lunar surface in 2027, has faced setbacks and uncertainty regarding funding, further complicating the plans for establishing a permanent human presence on the Moon.

Dr. Barber notes that having nuclear power for a base is of little use without a reliable means of transporting people and equipment, emphasizing the need for a more comprehensive and coordinated approach to lunar exploration.

The current plans appear disjointed, and a more integrated approach is necessary to achieve the goal of establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon.

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Keanu Reeves’ John Wick Video Game Revealed at PlayStation Event

The iconic hitman has made previous appearances in games, however, the version developed by Saber will mark the first instance where the character is voiced by Reeves.

A video game adaptation of the John Wick franchise, which has grossed over $1 billion worldwide, is in development, with Keanu Reeves set to lend his likeness and voice to the project.

An in game screenshot of a video game version of Keanu Reeves as the character John Wick. He is wearing a suit and looking at the camera.

The game, currently titled "Untitled John Wick Game", is being developed by Saber Interactive, the studio behind Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, in collaboration with Chad Stahelski, director of the John Wick film series.

A trailer for the game, expected to serve as a prequel to the film series, was unveiled during PlayStation's "State of Play" event on Thursday.

The event also featured announcements for remakes of several major game franchises, including the God of War trilogy, as well as a special 30th-anniversary edition of the classic platformer Rayman.

The John Wick film series, which has earned over $1 billion globally, follows the story of a retired assassin, played by Keanu Reeves, as he seeks vengeance in a world of high-stakes action.

Although the character of John Wick has appeared in games before, this will be the first time Keanu Reeves has provided his voice for the role.

Reeves has previous experience in the gaming industry, having played a key role in the hit game Cyberpunk 2077 as the character Johnny Silverhand.

According to Matthew Karch, CEO of Saber Interactive, the development team is "honored" to be working with Chad Stahelski and Keanu Reeves to bring the John Wick universe to life in a AAA game.

The game's story will be an original narrative designed for mature audiences, featuring a mix of familiar characters from the film series and new ones.

Jenefer Brown, president of global products at Lionsgate, the producer of the John Wick films, expressed the company's goal of capturing the "intense action" and "distinctive fight choreography" that define the franchise.

The reaction to the game's announcement has been largely positive among fans on social media.

However, some fans have expressed concerns about the potential impact on Saber Interactive's other projects, including the long-awaited remake of the classic Star Wars game Knights of the Old Republic.

Christopher Dring, editor-in-chief of The Game Business, believes that the John Wick game is a strong fit for Saber Interactive, given the studio's experience with action-oriented IPs and its ability to release multiple games across various genres.

Dring notes that Saber Interactive operates as a collective of studios working on multiple IPs, allowing it to release a diverse range of games annually.

During the same event, Sony announced that Santa Monica Studios is working on remakes of the first three God of War games, building on one of the platform's most successful franchises.

An in-game screenshot of Silent Hill Townfall. We see the back of a man who is looking at a sign that says "Welcome to St. Amelia". — Konami's trailer for Silent Hill Townfall revealed it is set in St Amelia, a "fictional island inspired by Scotland"

Although a release date for the God of War remakes was not provided, Sony did announce a surprise side-scrolling prequel game, Sons of Sparta, which is available now.

The event also offered a first look at Townfall, the latest installment in the Silent Hill series, set on the fictional island of St. Amelia, which draws inspiration from Scotland.

A 30th-anniversary edition of the classic platformer Rayman was also announced, featuring five versions of the 1995 game, along with a near-immediate release.

Loic Gounon, brand producer for the Rayman games, discussed the anniversary edition with the BBC, highlighting the inclusion of a new documentary that explores the making of the original game, as well as accessibility features designed to enhance the experience for modern players.

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Tottenham set to appoint temporary boss ahead of permanent summer hire

Tottenham expect to appoint an interim manager to oversee the team for the rest of the season by this weekend, with plans to make a permanent appointment in the summer.

The task of finding a successor to Thomas Frank has fallen to Johan Lange and Vinai Venkatesham, who are overseeing the selection process.

Tottenham Hotspur intends to appoint an interim manager to see out the current season, with a view to making a more permanent appointment during the summer months.

The dismissal of Thomas Frank occurred earlier this week, at a time when the team was five points clear of the relegation zone.

According to sources close to BBC Sport, Tottenham Hotspur is expected to finalize an agreement with an interim manager before the team resumes training on Monday.

Following their early exit from the FA Cup in the third round, Tottenham has a nine-day break before facing Arsenal in the north London derby on February 22.

With no match scheduled for this weekend, the first-team squad has been given a brief break and is set to return to training on Monday.

The club is aware that the mid-season transfer window presents limited options, and it may be more feasible to secure a long-term manager at the end of the campaign.

An in-depth examination of Thomas Frank's tenure reveals the challenges he faced in winning over players and fans.

A closer look at Frank's time at Tottenham highlights the risks involved in his appointment and the ultimate failure of his tenure.

Although the search for an interim manager is still ongoing, the successful candidate will be considered for the permanent position if they perform well in the role.

Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino is a potential candidate to take the reins on a permanent basis, particularly since his contract with the US men's national team is set to expire after the World Cup this summer.

Another candidate being considered is Roberto De Zerbi, who recently parted ways with French club Marseille by mutual consent.

For the latest news, analysis, and fan perspectives on Tottenham, please refer to our dedicated section.

If you have any questions about Tottenham, feel free to ask and we will do our best to provide you with the information you are looking for.

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Aberdeen to unveil new manager soon with Docherty set to take assistant role

Aberdeen has bolstered its interim management team with the return of Tony Docherty, who previously served as an assistant manager, to support Peter Leven, amid anticipation of a permanent appointment announcement that sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel had indicated would be made “imminently”.

Ross County parted ways with Tony Docherty in December, and he has now taken on a new role.

Aberdeen have brought in former assistant manager Tony Docherty to support Peter Leven's interim management team, despite sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel indicating that a permanent appointment was imminent.

Docherty's return to Aberdeen comes just a week after Eirik Horneland, a former coach of Rosenborg, Brann, and Saint-Etienne, emerged as a top contender to succeed Jimmy Thelin, who was sacked earlier.

As Aberdeen delays making a full-time appointment, speculation surrounding Eirik Horneland's availability has arisen, with reports suggesting the 50-year-old Norwegian may not be able to take on the role until summer.

Since Jimmy Thelin's dismissal on January 4, Lutz Pfannenstiel has been leading the search for a replacement, and he confirmed that Tony Docherty would be joining the team to assist Peter Leven during the interim period.

Dundee Utd are facing a challenging schedule, with four matches in 14 days set to take place on a weather-affected pitch.

According to Stavrum, Eirik Horneland's coaching style, characterized by intensity, would be a good fit for Aberdeen.

Tony Docherty initially joined Aberdeen in 2013 as part of Derek McInnes' management team and spent eight years at the club.

Before his stint at Aberdeen, Docherty served as McInnes' assistant at Kilmarnock and later managed Dundee and Ross County, but his time at Ross County ended in December when he was let go with the team at the bottom of the Championship.

Lutz Pfannenstiel praised Tony Docherty's experience, stating that he has a deep understanding of the club and will be a valuable asset during the transition period.

Pfannenstiel highlighted Docherty's extensive knowledge of the Scottish Premiership, gained through his experience as both a coach and manager, which will be beneficial to the team in the short term.

The club's managerial search is nearing its conclusion, and an announcement regarding the new head coach is expected soon, according to Pfannenstiel.

Peter Leven, who is serving as caretaker manager for the third time, expressed his enthusiasm for Tony Docherty's appointment.

Leven welcomed Docherty's return, stating that his experience will be a significant boost to the team, particularly during the upcoming matches.

Leven noted that Docherty was eager to join the team and that his presence will provide valuable support during both training sessions and matches.

Eirik Horneland left his position at Saint-Etienne in early February, at which point his team was fourth in France's second tier.

If Aberdeen decides to wait until summer for Horneland to take over, it will be similar to the six-month delay that occurred when Jimmy Thelin joined the club from Elfsborg in the summer of 2024.

For the latest news, analysis, and fan perspectives on Aberdeen, visit our dedicated page.