Yuri Borisov, head of the Russian space agency Roscosmos, confirms: Russia and China plan to build a nuclear power plant on the Moon by 2035

Russia and China are ready to take a giant leap forward in space exploration, with plans to build a nuclear power plant on the Moon between 2033 and 2035. The ambitious collaboration between the two powers promises to revolutionize the way we look at space, paving the way for human settlements on the lunar surface.

The head of the Russian space agency Roscosmos, Yuri Borisov, revealed that the installation of the nuclear power plant could be just the first step towards building human colonies on the Moon. This news comes at an exciting time, as the space agencies of both countries have worked in a lunar program joint effort, to which Moscow would contribute its expertise in nuclear space energy.

Nuclear power plant: An effective alternative to solar energy

For Borisov, the plant's nuclear energy is a more effective alternative to traditional solar panels, which he believes are not capable of providing enough electricity for future settlements on the Moon. He emphasized, however, that all steps will be carried out in automatic mode, without the presence of humans, at least initially.

The space partnership between Russia and China

The collaboration between Roscosmos and CNSA (China National Space Administration) began in March 2021, with the signing of a memorandum of understanding for cooperation on the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS). The agreement includes the sending of lunar missions, such as Chang'e 6, Chang'e 7 and Chang'e 8, by China.

Russia and China's plans to explore the Moon

Although Russia suffered a setback in its space program with the Luna-25 probe colliding with the Moon in 2023, China remains firm in its goal of placing the first Chinese astronaut on the Moon before 2030. The partnership between the two powers it could lead not only to joint missions but also to the establishment of a lunar base.

The space partnership between Russia and China has raised concerns in the United States, which has alleged that Russia could be planning to put nuclear weapons in space. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected these allegations, stating that they were merely an attempt to force Russia to negotiate arms on Western terms.

With Russia and China joining forces to build a nuclear power plant on the Moon, we are witnessing the beginning of a new era in space exploration. This collaboration promises not only scientific and technological advances, but also the expansion of human presence beyond Earth.