His plans for rapid construction of a nuclear reactor to the moon The US Minister of Transport is preparing to announce this week Sean Duffyin his first important action as a temporary commander of NASA.

NASA has discussed the construction of a reactor on the surface of the Moon, but there is now a more definitive timetable, according to documents available to Politico. This decision comes just when the Agency faces a huge budget reduction. This move also emphasizes how Sean Duffy, who faced reactions from legislators over the fact that he holds two jobs, wants to play a role in NASA’s policy.

“This is the victory in the second space race,” said a senior NASA official, who was not named to discuss the documents before their wider publication.

President Donald Trump appointed Duffy as a temporary commander in July after suddenly withdrawing the appointment of billionaire Jared Isaacman in the midst of a conflict with Ilon Mask.

Duffy also suggested a directive on the fastest replacement of the International Space Station, Another goal of NASA. The two moves could help accelerate US efforts to reach the Moon and Mars – a goal that China is also seeking.

These plans are in line with the plans by the Trump government, which aims to operate space flights. The White House has proposed a budget that will increase the capital for manned space flights for 2026, even if this requires significant cuts to other programs – including a nearly 50% cut for scientific missions.

The reactor instruction orders the organization to request proposals from the industry to launch a Nuclear Reactor 100 KW to 2030, A basic parameter for the return of astronauts to the surface of the Moon. NASA had previously funded the investigation of a 40 kilowatt reactor for use on the Moon, planning to be ready for launch in the early 2030s.

The first country to have a reactor could “declare an exclusion zone that would significantly prevent the United States,” the directive says, a sign of the organization’s concern for a common project that the China and Russia.

The Directive also orders NASA to appoint a head of the effort and to get the contribution of the industry within 60 days. The Agency is looking for companies capable of launching a reactor by 2030, as then China plans to land its first astronaut on the Moon.

This nuclear initiative means that NASA will continue to participate in nuclear development, even after the recent cancellation by the Pentagon of a joint rocket nuclear program.

“While the budget did not prioritize nuclear propulsion, this did not happen because nuclear propulsion is considered to be a non -remarkable technology,” the NASA official said.

NASA plans to delegate a contract to at least two companies within six months of submitting a request for proposals by the Agency. Officials hoping to install a new station in space by 2030. Otherwise, only China would have a permanently manned space station in orbit.

Several companies have taken action to meet the demand for the space station, including Axiom Space, Vast and Blue Origin. However, legislators have expressed concern in recent months that the organization is not moving fast enough to provide them with the funds they need.