Lunar Reactor-1 Program

Lunar Reactor-1 (LR-1) is NASA’s planned fission surface-power development for its Moon Base, with a lunar landing targeted for 2030 in the agency’s 2026 nuclear-space roadmap. The system is intended to supply power during darkness and in locations where solar power is insufficient. NASA places LR-1 after the Space Reactor-1 Freedom pathfinder: flying a reactor in deep space first is intended to reduce flight risk, develop the supply chain and build experience before adding lunar-landing requirements. The two efforts have distinct roles: SR-1 demonstrates nuclear electric propulsion in space, while LR-1 is intended to power surface operations. The landing year and surface operation are program goals rather than completed milestones.