Russia has revealed intentions to place a nuclear power plant on the Moon, aiming to accomplish the project before the decade closes.
Yury Borisov, director general at Russian space agency Roscosmos, shared the project’s contours, highlighting its potential to shape the next phase of lunar habitation and exploration, Reuters reports.
NUCLEAR REACTOR DEPLOYMENT
According to Borisov, the strategy involves transporting a compact nuclear reactor via an automated spacecraft to the Moon’s surface. Once delivered, either robotic systems or astronauts will take on the task of assembly.
This installation aims to supply continuous power to support lunar bases and ongoing scientific initiatives, sustaining human presence and research for extended periods.
“We are talking about the construction of a nuclear power plant on the Moon in the next decade,” Borisov said in an interview with Rossiya 24 television channel, the Reuters report stated.
FOCUS ON LUNAR SOUTH POLE
Russia’s lunar ambitions intersect with Chinese space objectives. Together, the two countries intend to build the International Lunar Research Station at the Moon’s southern pole.
This region, notable for its permanently shadowed craters, is considered promising due to indications of water ice, an important resource for upcoming expeditions.
ADVANCED ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES
Describing the project, Borisov referred to the nuclear plant as “a breakthrough technology” that could make an enduring lunar presence possible for Russia.
In addition, he described ongoing research into nuclear propulsion systems. These propulsion advancements may drastically cut travel times for missions extending as far as Mars.
RENEWED MOMENTUM AFTER YEARS OF SETBACKS
After prolonged periods marked by funding shortages in the post-Soviet era, Russia is seeking to reestablish its presence in space science.
In August 2023, Luna-25, a mission representing the nation’s first lunar operation in almost fifty years, ended when the lander crashed during descent.
NEXT STEPS: FUTURE LUNAR LANDERS
Plans are advancing for subsequent missions.
The Luna-26 probe, a lunar lander, is scheduled for launch in either 2027 or 2028.
Subsequently, a mission to return lunar samples is anticipated for 2028 or 2029, enabling the study of collected Moon materials.
COMPETITION IN LUNAR EXPLORATION
Activity in lunar exploration continues to accelerate. The United States, through the Artemis program, is preparing for a crewed landing near the Moon’s south pole by 2026.
China has set its sights on sending astronauts to the Moon before 2030. These parallel ambitions highlight escalating competition in the space sector.
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