Russia and China are teaming up for an ambitious lunar project – building an automated nuclear reactor on the moon by 2035. This reactor, capable of transportation and assembly without human assistance, aims to provide energy to a joint lunar base.
The collaboration between Russia's space agency Roscosmos and China's National Space Administration (CNSA) began with the announcement of plans to establish the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) back in 2021. This station, open to all interested countries and international partners, would be jointly operated by the two nations.
However, despite the openness to international collaboration, it's unlikely that NASA astronauts will visit the base. Tensions between NASA and both CNSA and Roscosmos, exacerbated by geopolitical conflicts, have resulted in restrictions on joint ventures. Roscosmos' impending departure from the International Space Station by 2025 further complicates matters.
Roscosmos recently announced its intent to construct a nuclear reactor alongside CNSA, with the aim of powering the ILRS. According to Roscosmos director general Yury Borisov, the project is slated for completion around 2033-2035 and will involve autonomous construction methods due to the absence of humans on-site. Borisov expressed confidence in the readiness of the necessary technological solutions for this endeavor.
In addition to the nuclear reactor, Roscosmos is exploring the use of massive nuclear-powered rockets to transport cargo to the moon for the base's construction. However, safety concerns regarding the development of these spacecraft remain a challenge for the agency