---
type: entity
entity_type: research_program
name: Fission Surface Power
parent_org: NASA
domain: space-development
status: active
tags: [nuclear-power, lunar-surface, isru, kilopower]
---

# Fission Surface Power

**Type:** Research Program  
**Parent Organization:** NASA  
**Status:** Active  
**Domain:** Space Development

## Overview

Fission Surface Power is NASA's nuclear power program for lunar surface operations, based on Kilopower heritage technology. The program targets 10-40+ kW of continuous surface power to enable extended lunar operations and in-situ resource utilization (ISRU).

## Technical Specifications

- **Power Output:** 10-40+ kW baseline
- **Technology Heritage:** Kilopower reactor design
- **Primary Applications:** Water ice extraction, oxygen production, propellant manufacture, habitat power
- **Deployment Target:** Lunar surface

## Strategic Significance

The 40kW threshold is identified as sufficient to make lunar ISRU economically viable, enabling the production of propellant, life support consumables, and other resources directly on the lunar surface. This capability is foundational to NASA's Moon Base architecture and the shift away from Gateway-dependent operations.

## Timeline

- **2026-03-25** — Featured prominently in NASA Moon Base architecture announcement as baseline power system for extended surface operations

## Related Programs

- Kilopower (predecessor technology demonstration)
- NASA Moon Base initiative
- Artemis program

## Sources

- NASASpaceFlight, "NASA outlines Moon Base plans, pivots on Gateway" (March 25, 2026)