Pakistan, Aug. 7 -- NASA is ready to send nuclear reactors to the Moon. The goal is to have a working reactor by 2030. NASA boss Sean Duffy said the U.S. is racing China to the Moon. Planting reactors is smarter than just planting flags. Reactors can claim areas with water and resources. Duffy believes this will help secure lunar territory for America.

NASA has used nuclear power since the 1960s. Apollo missions and space probes relied on small radioisotope batteries. These batteries produce less than 100 watts of power. In contrast, new nuclear fission reactors will generate 100 kilowatts. This is enough to power a small town. However, many reactors are needed for a Moon base.

NASA sees nuclear power as essential. The Moon's long night...