Russia and China are reportedly considering the construction of a nuclear power plant on the moon by 2035, as announced by Yuri Borisov, the head of the Russian space agency Roskosmos. The plan is part of a joint lunar program between the two nations, aiming to provide a reliable source of electricity to potential lunar settlements.
Borisov highlighted the inadequacy of solar panels in ensuring a consistent power supply on the moon. The proposed project, slated for the years 2033-2035, envisions delivering and installing a power unit on the lunar surface with the collaboration of Chinese partners. Despite speculation about Russia developing new nuclear weapons for space, Borisov clarified that the intention is solely for peaceful purposes, ruling out any plans to station nuclear weapons in space.
This lunar initiative follows a 2021 agreement between Moscow and Beijing to construct an international lunar research station. While China pursues its lunar exploration with the upcoming launch of the “Chang’e-6” probe, the Russian space program has faced recent setbacks.
The concept of lunar nuclear power isn’t new, as NASA had previously used a nuclear generator during the Apollo 12 mission in 1969. As space agencies globally focus on returning to the moon, the importance of reliable energy sources, particularly during the extended lunar nights, becomes increasingly evident.
With lunar nights lasting for 14 Earth days, relying solely on solar power carries risks for both manned and unmanned moon missions. But the issue of energy supply in space is growing even more essential as NASA pursues plans to return people to the Moon within its Artemis mission, with the first landing now scheduled for 2026.
In 2022, NASA announced it was cooperating with the US Department of Energy to select “concept proposals” for a nuclear power system “that could be ready to launch by the end of the decade.”
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