Sean Duffy wants to fast-track putting a 100kw nuclear reactor on the moon, according to a directive he sent out Thursday. It would help win the "space race."

NASA's acting administrator, Sean Duffy, plans to accelerate the construction of a nuclear reactor that could be used on the moon and alter the way NASA will partner with industry to replace the aging International Space Station.

Placing an atomic energy source on the lunar surface is “not science fiction,” experts say, but does pose technical challenges.