France and Italy join forces to develop a lunar nuclear reactor

French nuclear giant Framatome recently announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Italian Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development to jointly explore advanced technological solutions for nuclear fission reactors designed for the extreme environment of the Moon, providing energy for future lunar settlements. Currently, multiple countries are researching the use of nuclear energy to power future lunar infrastructure and settlements. Framatome stated that the agreement marks a critical stage in space exploration and the sustainable utilization of lunar resources. Enhancing the maturity of nuclear reactor technology for lunar surface applications will broaden Europe's knowledge base and capability landscape, which is crucial for humanity's return to the Moon and preparations for future Mars missions