What to Know About Russia and China's Joint Plan for a Nuclear Reactor on the Moon by 2035

Russia's space agency, Roscosmos, has unveiled ambitious plans to collaborate with China in constructing an automated nuclear reactor on the moon by 2035. This nuclear reactor aims to provide power to the proposed International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), a joint initiative between Roscosmos and the China National Space Administration (CNSA). The ILRS, conceived in 2021, was initially envisioned as an open lunar base for international collaboration.

The decision to build a nuclear reactor on the moon reflects the challenges of sustaining lunar bases with sufficient power, considering the limitations of solar panels. Roscosmos Director General Yury Borisov announced plans to autonomously install a power unit on the lunar surface around 2033-2035 in collaboration with CNSA. The construction process is expected to be executed without human presence, leveraging nearly ready technological solutions.

Roscosmos envisions employing large nuclear-powered rockets to transport cargo for building the lunar base. However, the agency faces hurdles in ensuring the safe construction of these spacecraft. Meanwhile, the compact nuclear reactor developed by U.K. scientists, powered by small fuel cells, is being tested by NASA for potential use in future missions.

While the specific design of the Russian-Chinese joint reactor remains unclear, it highlights the importance of reliable power sources for sustaining lunar bases. Both Roscosmos and CNSA, with differing lunar exploration track records, are striving to advance space capabilities. Russia faced a setback with the Luna-25 lander crashing on the moon's surface in 2021, while China achieved successful lunar missions, including Chang'e 3, Chang'e 4, and Chang'e 5, with plans for additional lunar endeavors.

Despite collaborative efforts on the ILRS, NASA astronauts may be excluded from visiting due to strained relations with CNSA and Roscosmos. The latter is set to withdraw from the International Space Station by 2025, responding to U.S. sanctions related to Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. While CNSA plans giant reusable rockets for moon missions by 2030, NASA remains committed to returning humans to the lunar surface, albeit with a delayed timeline for the Artemis mission to 2026.