NASA is advancing plans for a commercial lunar nuclear power system under its Fission Surface Power initiative.

A draft partnership proposal released Aug. 29 seeks industry input on reactors producing at least 100 kilowatts, intended for the Moon’s south pole by 2029.

Using public-private Space Act Agreements, companies would own and potentially sell power from the reactor, with proposals evaluated favorably if fully commercial.

NASA aims for systems operating at least 10 years and scalable for higher-power applications.

Final proposals are due Oct. 3, with awards expected by March 2026, Space News has reported.

The initiative responds to strategic urgency amid Chinese and Russian lunar reactor efforts.