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It is now an old thing to land on the moon, hoist the flag there for research there. Now the new space race has started on the Earth’s only satellite on permanent construction and energy supply, in which nuclear power plants can play an important role. In April 2025, China had planned to build a nuclear power plant on the moon by 2035, which will energize its proposed International Lunar Research Center.

In response to this, in August 2025, America’s caretaker NASA administrator Sean Dafi said that the US can start its nuclear reactor on the moon by 2030. It may seem new, but this shocking news is not at all. According to experts, this is not a sudden competition.

The Department of NASA and the US Energy have long been working on short nuclear power systems, which can provide electricity for bases, mining works and long -term residences on the moon. Space law experts believe that it is not a race for arms, but a strategic infrastructure race.

Not legally restricted

There is no new idea of nuclear power in space. Since the 1960s, the US and the Soviet Union have used radioceotope generators, which provide strength to satellites, Mars Rovers and Voyager missions from small level radioactive fuels.

The United Nations underlines the 1992 non-comprehensive proposal called ‘theory related to the use of nuclear power sources in external space’ that nuclear power may be necessary when solar energy is insufficient. This proposal determines guidelines for safety, transparency and international counseling.

International law is not prohibited from the use of nuclear power from peaceful purposes on the moon anywhere, but the first successful country can set standards for future conduct and legal interpretations.

Importance of installing first atomic reactor on the moon

Major countries including the US, China and Russia have signed the 1967 external space treaty, which decides that all countries take proper care of each other’s interests. This means that if a country puts an atomic reactor on the moon, then other countries will have legal and physically boundaries to work around it.

Other articles of the treaty also set the boundaries of similar conduct, although they also promote cooperation. All countries have the right to reach the Moon and other planets independently, but they cannot claim sovereignty. Nevertheless, countries can make hideouts and facilities there, which can be controlled by their access.

Infrastructure is effective

Putting reactor in an area is a sign of permanent presence there, especially in resource-rich areas such as the southern pole of the moon, where snow is present in the craters. This ice rocket can become a water source for fuel and lunar bases.

By creating infrastructure in these sensitive and scientifically important areas, a country can ensure access to resources and can also prevent others.

Solar energy limitations and nuclear options

The atmosphere on the moon is negligible and there is darkness for 14 days. Sunlight never reaches some craters. In such a situation, solar energy becomes unusable in many important areas. A small lunar reactor can provide electricity for more than 10 consecutive years, which can operate housing, rovers, 3D printers and life support systems. The same technology is also considered necessary for Mars missions.

Need for transparent governance

Experts believe that America has an opportunity to lead in technology as well as governance. If he keeps his programs public, follows international rules and promises peaceful use, it will inspire other countries to do so.

In the future, the impact on the moon will be determined, not from the flags, but the structures made there and the way of their use. Nuclear power can become an important part of this future, provided it is implemented according to the responsibility and international guidelines.

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The 12-year-old Jackson Oswalt, who lives in the city of Memphis, USA, had told about an act that even the big scientists were surprised to see. Jackson made his own nuclear fusion reactor in his bedroom. He became the youngest person to do this feat and for this his name was recorded in the Guinness World Record. However, after this achievement, he also faced the FBI investigation.

In December 2024, Jackson informed about this complete achievement through a long thread of his post on social media. He had told that he saw Taylor Wilson’s TED Talk at the age of 11, in which Wilson spoke of acquiring controlled nuclear fusion at the age of 14. Inspired by this, Jackson also decided to make a fusion reactor himself.

He then launched deep research on fusion technology and nuclear science. Initially he created a “demo fuuser”, but he was not completely successful. He felt that if this setup had been more than a few minutes, his main grid could have melted and spoiled. Therefore, he made his entire plan again.

Jackson bought several essential equipment from EBAY for its project, including turbomolicular pumps and dutarium gas. His parents assisted financially to complete this project. He re -designed the vacuum chamber of the reactor and made the inner grid with tantalum metal, so that it could tolerate higher temperatures.

After nearly a year of hard work, Jackson successfully turned the fusion reactor a few days before his 13th birthday. When he detected Neutron Emission, he was convinced that his reactor was working properly.

His achievement was also verified by Fusor.net and Nuclear Fusion Expert Richard Hul. He was then awarded the Guinness World Record.

However, because it was not a small thing, when Jackson’s achievement went viral in the media, the US security agencies also got attention. One Saturday morning FBI agents reached Jackson’s house. He conducted radiation check of the entire house from the Gigar counter, to ensure that there is no threat from his reactor.

After the investigation was completed, the FBI agents confirmed no radiation leakage from Jackson’s reactor and were also allowed to continue their scientific experiments further. Jackson jokingly said about this whole incident, “Thankfully I did not go to jail!”

After this achievement by Jackson, he got a chance to visit many scientific institutions and startups in the US. He shared his experiences there and learned more about nuclear technology. His success proves that if there is passion and right guidance, any person can make the impossible possible. Jackson is now planning to do even more advance research.