Aug. 5 (UPI) -- Sean Duffy, acting NASA administrator and secretary of transportation, wants to fast-track putting a nuclear reactor on the moon, according to a directive he sent out Thursday.

NASA already has plans to put a small nuclear reactor on the moon but this directive would create a timeline despite the agency's heavy budget cut, Politico, The New York Times and The Independent reported.

"It is about winning the second space race," said a NASA senior official, granted anonymity to discuss the documents ahead of their wider release. Politico first reported on the documents.

Duffy's directive also said he wants to replace the International Space Station more quickly than already planned by NASA. The two plans may help the United States reach Mars sooner. China is also pursuing that goal.

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