NASA Glenn tapped to lead lunar nuclear power effort

Zoom in: The initiative will task Glenn and the Armstrong Test Facility in Sandusky with designing a nuclear reactor capable of generating at least 100 kilowatts of electricity, enough to power 80 homes.

• NASA officials say such energy is critical for sustaining long-term lunar bases and eventually enabling travel to Mars, especially as China and Russia advance their own lunar power efforts.

What they're saying: In a bipartisan letter of support, members of Ohio's congressional delegation praised Glenn's "deep expertise" and said it was "exceptionally well-positioned" to lead the effort.

• "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."

Flashback: Earlier this year, elected leaders called for NASA Glenn to be the future headquarters of NASA.

• The space agency's lease in Washington, D.C., expires in 2028.