Fresh off Artemis, America is now turning its attention to creating nuclear power in space

The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. SpaceFresh off Artemis, America is now turning its attention to creating nuclear power in spaceThe administration wants to launch the reactors to the moon within the next four years – a timeline that critics say could be a problemJulia Musto in New York Tuesday 14 April 2026 18:08 BSTBookmarkCommentsGo to commentsBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popover{"translations":{"comments":"Go to comments","share":"Share","copyLink":"Copy link","bookmark":"Bookmark","removeBookmark":"Remove bookmark"},"showComments":true,"showBookmark":true,"articleId":"b2957498","articleMeta":{"url":"https://www.independent.co.uk/space/us-nasa-space-nuclear-power-b2957498.html","title":"America is now turning its attention to creating nuclear power in space"}}Close21st century space race: U.S. sending nuclear reactor to moonSign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inboxSign up to our free IndyTech newsletterSign up to our free IndyTech newsletterEmail*SIGN UPI would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice{"className":"sc-1ge0fwe-0","newsletterData":{"regSourceNewsletter":"IND_Tech_Newsletter","regTitle":"IndyTech","subscriptionGroup":"indytech","subscriptionGroupId":"c9972e20-b4d1-4401-a88f-777e77be0046","type":"tech","pathPrefix":["/space","/tech","/extras/indybest/gadgets-tech","/tech/security"],"associatedAuthors":["Andrew Griffin","Anthony Cuthbertson"],"title":"Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox","mobileTitle":"Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter","imageSrc":"https://static.independent.co.uk/static-assets/images/newsletters/indyTech1_1.png","newsletterKey":"receiveTech","regSourceSection":"Space","regSourceMethod":"NSCs"},"isClimate":false}The Trump administration is renewing its focus on creating nuclear power in...