During the Cold War, the idea of nuking the moon was a real consideration by both the USSR and the US. Scientists like Joshua Lederberg and Carl Sagan were involved in exploring the feasibility and implications of such a drastic measure. While the political and strategic reasons for nuking the moon were apparent, the potential scientific and environmental consequences were alarming. The possibility of disrupting natural ecosystems on the moon and contaminating space with radiation raised ethical concerns. Eventually, efforts led by Lederberg and others promoted a cautious, research-based approach to space exploration, emphasizing biosecurity and contamination reduction.
https://eukaryotewritesblog.com/2024/04/12/nuking-the-moon/