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NASA plans to construct a nuclear reactor on the Moon to support future lunar bases and missions. This follows a history of nuclear applications in space, including the SNAP-10A satellite and Kilopower tests.

The reactor design emphasizes safety with passive cooling and low-enrichment uranium. In the event of a meltdown, the Moon's lack of atmosphere would alter the scenario; instead of a dramatic explosion, overheating could lead to molten metal cooling silently.

Radiation exposure would pose risks to personnel, but fallout would remain localized. The project contrasts with past proposals like Project A119, which aimed to detonate a hydrogen bomb on the Moon.