New Space Race: Acting NASA’s chief Duffy to announce a plan to create a nuclear reactor on the moon this week- what do we know here

US Transport Secretary Sean Dafi is ready to reveal quick schemes for the construction of a lunar nuclear reactor this week, marking its first important initiative as NASA’s interim administrator.According to documents reviewed by Politico, the announcement will set up a clear time for the Lunar Reactor Project, despite NASA’s adequate budget reduction. This initiative shows Dafi’s intentions to influence NASA’s policy direction, even he faced criticism for managing dual roles.A senior NASA official said, “This is about winning the second space race,” a senior NASA official gave an oblivion to discuss the documents before his widespread release.After disagreeing with Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk in July, President Donald Trump appointed Dafi after withdrawing the nomination of billionaire Jreds Isaqman.Dafi has also issued instructions to speed up the replacement of the international space station. These decisions can increase American progress towards lunar and Martian missions, which China is also making the objectives.These initiatives show the emphasis of the Trump administration on the human spacecraft. The budget proposal of 2026 of the White House increases funding for crude mission, while science mission reduces other programs including a reduction of about 50 percent.The reactor initiative requires NASA to request industry proposals for 100 kW nuclear reactor, targeting the date of launch of 2030, important for lunar astronaut missions. Earlier, NASA researched the 40 kW lunar reactor in the early 2030s, planning to deploy in the early 2030s.The director has warned that the first nation to install a reactor may “announce a career that would significantly disrupt the United States, reflecting concerns about the China-Russia collaborative project.NASA should appoint a project leader and gather the reaction of the industry within 60 days. The 2030 launch target aligns with China’s first lunar landing.NASA maintains participation in nuclear development despite the recent end of a joint nuclear-managed rocket engine program in Pentagon.NASA official said, “While the budget did not prioritize the nuclear propulsion, it was not because the nuclear propulsion is seen as a non-qualified technology.”The space station instructions try to replace the current international space station with commercial options through modified contract processes.The NASA proposal intends to contract at least two companies within six months of the request. The goal is to set up a new station by 2030, which prevents China from being the only operator of a crew’s orbital station.Many companies including Axiom Space, Vishal and Blue origin have shown interest. However, MLAs have expressed concern about insufficient money allocation speed.