Vladimir Putin, Russia’s longest-serving leader who has recently secured a fifth term, intends to construct a nuclear reactor on the moon by 2035, with China’s assistance. He remarked during a session with government officials, emphasized by the Russian state news agency TASS, that erecting a nuclear power station in space is a significant strategic objective for Russia.
During his speech, Putin highlighted the significance of meeting deadlines for the project’s financing, and identified specific issues that require further attention. According to him, the task involves certain competencies that Russia possesses and some countries might lack, which needs to be developed and enhanced for future enterprises.
Adding clarity to Putin’s broader scheme, Yury Borisov, head of the Russian space agency Roscosmos, accentuated Putin’s points during his address at the World Youth Festival. He confirmed a cooperative mission between Russia and China intending to set up a nuclear reactor on the moon over a three-year phase in the subsequent decade.
Borisov emphasized the mission’s need for automation, with the technological solutions nearly reaching an adequate level for execution. He pointed out that such a mission is under serious contemplation, with an aim to deliver and install a power reactor on the moon in partnership with China between 2033 and 2035.
Designing a nuclear reactor on the moon is not a novel idea, with NASA having similar plans targeted around the early 2030s. The motive behind powering the moon nuclear is primarily related to the moon’s day-night cycle. While the 14 days of continuous daylight makes it ideal for solar power, it is followed by 14 continuous nights which create the necessity for a non-intermittent power source to prevent the use of batteries.
Nuclear power, being denser than solar power, is a crucial utility for lunar development as space efficiency is paramount. Other than being the primary source of energy for daily activities and life support for long-term inhabitants, the nuclear reactor will also serve in moon mining, construction, and transportation. Moreover, it should contribute to the scientific understanding of nuclear technology.
However, several problems associated with introducing nuclear power to the moon need to be addressed over the next decade. These include radiation, waste management, weaponization, environmental damage to the lunar habitat, and the sustainability of the project.
Therefore, with both NASA and Roscosmos planning to harness nuclear power on the moon, and with China being determined to land the first Chinese astronaut there before 2030, a renewed space race seems inevitable.
