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Russia, China Partner on Nuclear Unit for Moon Base

May 8, 2024 1 min read

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Roscosmos, the Russian space agency, has initiated the development of a nuclear power plant for a planned joint lunar station with China. The project is being spearheaded by Yuri Borisov, the head of Roscosmos. This development is part of a broader cooperation between Russia and China in space exploration, and the nuclear power plant is expected to be used to power the lunar station.

The decision to use nuclear energy for the lunar station was disclosed by Borisov in March. The agency is currently testing equipment for the production of innovative nuclear fuel. The production of this fuel is taking place in the city of Seversk, located in Russia's Tomsk region. Roscosmos has outlined plans to send the nuclear power plant to the Moon in the years 2033-2035, where it will support the operations of the scientific lunar station.

The announcement comes as Russia continues to generate significant revenue from its oil and gas industry. Analysis indicates that, despite international sanctions imposed following the invasion of Ukraine, Russia has earned substantial sums from these sectors. In the three months leading up to April, Russia reportedly made an average of 1.2 trillion rubles (£10.4bn), marking the highest three-month average since April 2022. This revenue underscores the continued financial capabilities of Russia to fund ambitious projects, such as the lunar nuclear power plant, amidst global economic pressures.

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