The Director of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos), Yury Borisov, announced that Russian and Chinese officials are “seriously considering” a joint project to install a nuclear power plant on the Moon within the next decade, aimed at generating electricity for future settlements on the lunar surface.
Speaking on March 5, Borisov stated that the necessary technology for developing nuclear power on the Moon is almost ready.
Director of Roscosmos – Yury Borisov. (Photo: RT).
“We are currently seriously considering a project – around the year 2033 to 2035 – to transport and install a power supply on the lunar surface together with our Chinese colleagues,” the Russian official said.
Borisov indicated that nuclear energy could be the solution for providing the necessary power for lunar habitation, as solar panels would not be able to generate sufficient electricity. Robots would be utilized to install the reactors.
The Roscosmos director remarked: “This is a very significant challenge. It must be carried out in an automated mode, without human presence.”
According to Borisov, the only remaining technological barrier is the reactor cooling method. He stated: “We are researching a space tug. This enormous vehicle could – thanks to the nuclear reactor and high-capacity turbines – transport large cargo from one orbit to another, collect space debris, and serve many other applications.”
Discussions about lunar reactors are taking place amidst reports from various observers indicating a modern space race between the United States and its allies on one side, and Russia and China on the other.
U.S. Space Operations Command Commander Stephen Whiting declared that China is developing military capabilities in space at a “remarkable” pace, while the Chinese Ministry of Defense warned that Washington is leading a dangerous effort to militarize space.
Last month, U.S. House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner accused Russia of seeking to deploy a missile interception system in space – potentially armed with nuclear warheads – to enhance its anti-satellite capabilities. Russian President Vladimir Putin responded by asserting that Washington is using misleading statements to gain leverage in negotiations on space weapon limitations.
Roscosmos Director Borisov also affirmed that Russia has no plans to deploy nuclear weapons in space.
