Placing an atomic energy source on the lunar surface is “not science fiction,” experts say, but does pose technical challenges.

Interim NASA Administrator Sean Duffy says his plan to put a nuclear reactor on the moon is part of his plain to "get there first and claim that for America."

The group also partnered with defense giant Lockheed Martin to win a NASA contract worth $5 million in 2022 to designed the first iterations of the lunar power systems. Westinghouse and Aerojet Rocketdyne, as well as a joint venture that included Boeing, were also selected.