NASA intends to install a Nuclear Reactor on the Moon

The reactor is claimed to be a component of the nation's larger goals to establish a permanent outpost for humans to inhabit on the moon's surface.

It is a 100-kilowatt reactor, which is smaller than onshore wind turbines that usually produce 2-3 megawatts.

Nasa's swift initiative to construct a nuclear reactor on the moon follows comparable announcements from Russia and China.

China and Russia plan to construct automated nuclear power plants on the moon by 2035.

Many other countries, such as India and Japan, are also competing to investigate the lunar surface with intentions to create lasting human colonies.

Global Legal Structure

Outer Space Treaty (1967):

Allowed: It allows peaceful activities on the Moon and other celestial bodies while prohibiting nuclear weapons/WMD in space or on celestial objects.

Article IX: States are obligated to consider the interests of others, therefore, no claims to territory may be asserted.

Liability Convention (1972): The launching State is strictly liable for damages on Earth/aircraft; fault-based liability applies for damages in space/on the Moon. It also offers claims/settlement processes.

Moon Agreement (1979) (limited signatories; not broadly endorsed): It imposes environmental and rescue responsibilities on the Moon; acknowledges the Moon’s resources as the “common heritage”. Applicable solely to its Parties.

1992 UN Principles: A non-binding resolution acknowledging the importance of nuclear energy in situations where solar power is inadequate; establishes guidelines for safety, transparency, and consultation.

India has signed the outer space treaty, but has not signed the Moon Agreement. India is a signatory to the Artemis Accords (2023), wherein parties agree to uphold transparency, establish safety zones, and share data.

Why the Updated Race?

The initial pioneer in constructing nuclear reactors on the Moon might:

Influence standards, actions, and legal understandings.

Regulate entry to key locations (e.g., lunar south pole containing water ice).

Acquire geopolitical influence by establishing long-term installations

The reactor is said to be part of the country's broader aims to create a lasting settlement for humans to live on the moon's surface.

It is a 100-kilowatt reactor, which is less powerful than onshore wind turbines that typically generate 2-3 megawatts.

Nasa's rapid plan to build a nuclear reactor on the moon aligns with similar declarations from Russia and China.

China and Russia aim to build automated nuclear power stations on the moon by 2035.

Numerous other nations, including India and Japan, are likewise striving to explore the lunar surface with aims to establish enduring human settlements.

Worldwide Legal Framework

Outer Space Treaty (1967):

Permitted: It permits tranquil endeavors on the Moon and other celestial bodies, while banning nuclear armaments/WMD in space or on celestial entities.

Article IX: States must take into account the interests of others, thus, no territorial claims can be made.

Liability Convention (1972): The launching State is absolutely responsible for damages on Earth/aircraft; negligence-based liability applies for damages in space/on the Moon. It also provides claims and settlement procedures.

Moon Agreement (1979) (few signatories; not widely accepted): It mandates environmental and rescue duties on the Moon; recognizes the Moon’s resources as the “common heritage”. Only relevant to its Parties.

1992 UN Principles: A resolution that is not legally binding, recognizing the significance of nuclear energy when solar energy is insufficient; sets forth standards for safety, transparency, and engagement.

India has agreed to the outer space treaty but has not agreed to the Moon Agreement. India is a signatory to the Artemis Accords (2023), in which participants commit to promoting transparency, creating safety zones, and exchanging data.

What is the reason for the revised race?