CHINA AND RUSSIA ARE PLANNING TO BUILD A NUCLEAR POWER PLANT ON THE MOON BY 2035

Sun 10 March 2024:

A major step forward in the current lunar exploration race is the joint pursuit by China and Russia of plans to build a nuclear power facility on the moon. The project, which is expected to be completed between 2033 and 2035, represents a ground-breaking partnership between the two countries to further lunar exploration and human settlement.

This project was introduced by Yuri Borisov, the head of Roscosmos, the Russian space agency, emphasizing the strategic cooperation between China and Russia in space exploration.

Former deputy minister of defense Borisov emphasized that Russia’s experience with “nuclear space energy” is an important part of this joint lunar initiative that aims to establish long-term lunar communities.

Addressing energy challenges
Borisov stressed on the necessity of overcoming the limitations of solar panels, citing their inadequacy in meeting the electricity demands of future lunar settlements. Instead, the deployment of nuclear power emerges as a promising solution to fuel these extraterrestrial habitats, ensuring continuous and reliable energy supply.

Acknowledging the complexities involved in establishing a power unit on the lunar surface, Borisov highlighted the importance of automating the process to mitigate risks associated with human presence during the initial stages.

In addition to the lunar power plant, Borisov discussed Russia’s plans for developing a nuclear-powered cargo spaceship, referred to as a “space tugboat.” This vessel, equipped with a nuclear reactor and high-power turbines, aims to facilitate large cargo transportation between orbits and address various critical space missions.

Despite technical progress, challenges such as cooling the nuclear reactor remain unresolved. Russia’s lunar endeavours have faced setbacks, including mission failures, but Moscow remains resolute in its commitment to further lunar exploration, including joint missions with China and aspirations for a lunar base.

China’s concurrent endeavors, such as its ambition to launch China’s first astronaut to the moon by 2030, highlight the lunar exploration race’s dual nature of cooperation and competition. Russian President Vladimir Putin has disregarded US warnings about putting nuclear weapons in space, signaling continuing geopolitical dynamics in space exploration amid fears over the militarization of space.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

______________________________________________________________

FOLLOW INDEPENDENT PRESS:

WhatsApp CHANNEL
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAtNxX8fewmiFmN7N22