The fate of a NASA authorization bill moving through Congress could shape the future of space nuclear power, according to industry leaders who say the measure may determine whether the technology reaches the Moon this decade.
On Feb. 4, the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee unanimously advanced the NASA Reauthorization Act of 2026.
The legislation expands NASA’s space nuclear capabilities and strengthens coordination with the Department of Energy. Additionally, it directs the agency to work with commercial partners to the maximum extent possible.
The bill must still pass the Senate and clear both chambers before it reaches the president’s desk. However, companies developing nuclear systems for space say the measure could remove long-standing barriers.
Zeno Power, a private startup building radioisotope power systems, stands among the most vocal supporters. The company designs compact nuclear batteries that can keep spacecraft and lunar equipment running through the frigid lunar night.
Chief executive Tyler Bernstein said NASA and the White House already treat space nuclear power as a priority. He said the bill would formalize that focus and give the agency clearer authority to move faster. Furthermore, he argued that clearer structure would accelerate partnerships with commercial firms.
Bernstein described a “chicken and egg” problem slowing adoption of space nuclear technology. Companies can build hardware, but they need a government customer to prove it works on the lunar surface.
He said NASA could break that cycle by purchasing and deploying a single system on the Moon. Consequently, one successful mission could reduce technical risk and open broader commercial markets. In addition, companies could then sell similar systems to allied governments and private space operators.
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Insurance coverage for nuclear launches a pressing issue
The Nuclear Energy Institute, an industry trade group, also backs the legislation. In January, it sent lawmakers a letter supporting the proposed framework.
The group urged Congress to authorize programs that prioritize demonstration and deployment this decade. Additionally, it called for incentives to encourage future lunar missions to adopt commercial nuclear systems. It also pressed lawmakers to address regulatory barriers that slow private projects.
One of the most pressing issues involves indemnification, or insurance coverage for nuclear launches. The US government can indemnify nuclear systems on its own missions. However, no clear pathway exists for commercial missions carrying nuclear payloads.
Industry leaders say that gap deters investors and limits launch opportunities. Consequently, companies cannot easily secure insurance for privately funded nuclear missions. In addition, lenders and partners often require clear liability protection before committing capital.
Bernstein said final language in the reauthorization bill should establish a sustainable framework. He argued that policymakers must support broad commercial production, not just one-off demonstrations. Furthermore, he said companies need predictable rules to scale manufacturing.
Several firms are developing nuclear technologies for space. Some focus on small fission reactors for lunar bases. Meanwhile, others design nuclear propulsion systems for deep-space missions. Zeno concentrates on radioisotope power units that generate steady heat and electricity without sunlight.
Supporters say nuclear systems solve a simple problem: sunlight disappears for long stretches on the Moon. Lunar nights last roughly 14 Earth days, and temperatures plunge far below freezing. Consequently, solar panels and batteries alone struggle to keep equipment alive.
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Radioisotope system on the moon by 2028
Nuclear power can provide continuous energy in those conditions. Additionally, it can support rovers, scientific instruments, and communications hardware in permanently shadowed regions.
Zeno says it could deploy a radioisotope system on the Moon as early as 2028. However, Bernstein wants Congress to include specific demonstration timelines in the bill. He said clear target dates would align government demand with private development schedules.
Lawmakers must now reconcile House and Senate versions of the legislation. Subsequently, both chambers must approve a final measure before sending it to the president. Industry advocates say each step will determine whether space nuclear power moves from concept to commercial reality within the next few years.
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