Husted, Miller, members of Ohio delegation thank Acting NASA Administrator for choosing NASA Glenn to lead development of lunar nuclear reactor, urge continued support

WASHINGTON - Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) and Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio) led several of their colleagues from the Ohio congressional delegation in writing to Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy, thanking him for choosing NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland to lead development of the Fission Surface Power (FSP) system-a nuclear reactor that will power future long-term facilities on the Moon.

The lawmakers also urged Duffy to prioritize NASA Glenn when allocating future workload, personnel and funding for the FSP program.

"We are writing to express our strong and unified support for NASA's selection of NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio, as the lead developer of the Fission Surface Power (FSP) system, a critical element of the Artemis program and America's return to the Moon," wrote the lawmakers.

"As the birthplace of aviation and some of America's most celebrated astronauts, Ohio is the ideal location for this critical work. Its unique and historic contributions to aviation and space exploration inspire and ground NASA's mission here, creating a culture deeply rooted in innovation and space exploration," they continued.

"As the global space race accelerates-with China and Russia advancing their own lunar exploration efforts-it is essential that the United States act boldly and decisively. Developing and deploying a domestic, nuclear-powered energy system on the Moon sends a clear message: the U.S. intends not only to return to the Moon, but to stay there," added the policymakers.

"Fission Surface Power is essential to maintaining a long-term American presence, supporting surface operations, enabling lunar habitation, and eventually serving as a stepping-stone to Mars. This initiative aligns not only with NASA's scientific goals, but also with our national interest in ensuring U.S. leadership in space for decades to come," they wrote.

"Ohio has long been committed to NASA's mission, and we are proud to see our state play such a vital role in this transformative initiative. We stand ready to support you and NASA Glenn as this vital work moves forward," concluded the lawmakers.

In addition to Husted and Miller, Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) and Reps. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), Mike Carey (R-Ohio), Dave Joyce (R-Ohio), Dave Taylor (R-Ohio), Michael Rulli (R-Ohio), Troy Balderson (R-Ohio), Mike Turner (R-Ohio), Bob Latta (R-Ohio), Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio) and Warren Davidson (R-Ohio) signed the letter.

This letter builds on Husted's support of NASA in Ohio. Earlier this year, Husted and Miller led Ohio lawmakers in writing to Vice President J.D. Vance to highlight the fiscal and operational advantages of moving NASA's headquarters to Cleveland.

The full letter is here.