Head of the Roscosmos space corporation Yuri Borisov attends a State Committee meeting ahead of the planned launch of the Soyuz MS-24 spacecraft to the International Space Station (ISS), at the Russian leased Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan September 14, 2023. Maxim Shipenkov/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo
Yuri Borisov, the head of Russia’s space agency Roscosmos, announced on Tuesday that Russia and China are contemplating the establishment of a nuclear power plant on the moon between the years 2033 and 2035. Borisov highlighted that this collaborative endeavor could potentially facilitate the construction of lunar settlements in the future.
Borisov, a former deputy defense minister, noted the ongoing joint lunar program between Russia and China, emphasizing Russia’s capability to contribute its expertise in nuclear space energy to the initiative. He outlined the necessity for nuclear power on the moon, citing the inadequacy of solar panels in meeting the energy demands of prospective lunar settlements.
Regarding the proposed lunar power plant, Borisov emphasized the requirement for autonomous operation without human presence, underscoring the technical challenges inherent in such a venture. Additionally, he disclosed Russian plans to develop a nuclear-powered cargo spacecraft, noting the resolution of technical issues except for the cooling mechanism of the nuclear reactor.
Borisov expounded on the envisioned capabilities of the proposed space tugboat, envisioning its utility in transporting large payloads between orbits, space debris collection, and various other applications, facilitated by a nuclear reactor and high-power turbines.
While Russian officials have previously discussed ambitious lunar mining plans, the Russian space program has encountered setbacks in recent years. Notably, its first moon mission in 47 years experienced failure when the Luna-25 spacecraft lost control and crashed.
Despite setbacks, Russia remains committed to lunar exploration, with plans for further missions and eventual collaboration with China on crewed missions and the establishment of a lunar base. In contrast, China has expressed its goal of deploying the first Chinese astronaut to the moon before 2030.
Addressing concerns raised by the United States regarding alleged Russian intentions to deploy nuclear weapons in space, Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed the claims as false, viewing them as a tactic to dictate arms negotiations on terms favorable to the West.
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