In a bold move, Russia and China are planning to build a nuclear power plant on the moon between 2033 and 2035. The head of Russia’s space agency Roscosmos, Yuri Borisov, disclosed this groundbreaking idea on Tuesday while also highlighting its potential to pave the way for future lunar settlements.
Borisov highlighted the collaborative efforts between Russia and China in their lunar program, emphasizing Moscow’s proficiency in nuclear space energy. He expressed the feasibility of delivering and installing a power unit on the lunar surface in partnership with Chinese counterparts, reported Reuters.
Setting up the nuclear power plant on moon in automatic mode
Solar panels are not going to be enough to meet the energy demands of lunar settlements, which is where Borisov says nuclear power comes into play. He asserted that nuclear energy could provide the necessary electricity for future lunar habitats.
Setting up a nuclear power plant on the moon naturally comes with a lot of complexities. Borisov says that it is imperative to execute the project in automatic mode, without the presence of any human, reportes Reuters. This approach guarantees safety in deploying and operating the plant on the lunar surface.
Nuclear-Powered Spacecraft
In addition to lunar aspirations, Borisov unveiled plans for a nuclear-powered cargo spaceship. Despite resolving technical hurdles, challenges remain in devising effective cooling mechanisms for the nuclear reactor. This spacecraft aims to revolutionize space transportation and facilitate various applications, including debris collection.
China and Russia’s Ambitious Lunar Exploration
We all remember Russia’s heartbreaking failure of the Luna-25 spacecraft. However, Russian officials remain undeterred in their lunar exploration endeavors. Their plans include more lunar missions, potential joint ventures with China, and the establishment of a lunar base.
Echoing Russia’s ambitions, China aims to deploy its first astronaut on the moon before 2030, signaling its steadfast commitment to lunar exploration and colonization efforts.
The United States had earlier claimed that Russia was planning to deploy nuclear weapons in space. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed these claims as false. He characterized such assertions as attempts to manipulate arms negotiations, which in turn would underscore Russia’s underscoring Russia’s commitment to autonomous space exploration.