China and Russia have reached an agreement to build a nuclear-powered power plant on the Moon. The project is planned to be completed by 2036. The plant will meet the energy needs of the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), which is being led by these two countries.
China and Russia to build a nuclear power plant on the Moon
The agreement, especially with the pauses experienced by the United States in its Moon projects, could change the balance in the global Moon race. In the US, NASA’s 2026 budget proposal, the cancellation of the Gateway station planned to be built in lunar orbit was on the agenda.
When the delays in the Artemis program are combined with this development, the increasing influence of China and Russia in space has become even more visible. Yuri Borisov, Director General of the Russian Federal Space Agency Roscosmos, stated that the reactor will be built with largely autonomous systems.
The system is planned to be built completely unmanned. It was stated that the reactor will be the main energy source of the lunar station to be established within the scope of ILRS. Technical details about the project have not yet been clarified.
According to Roscosmos’ announcement on May 8, the station to be built will initially host long-term unmanned missions and basic space research. However, the main goal will be to ensure a permanent human presence on the Moon.
The permanent base planned to be established at the south pole of the Moon has already received support from 17 countries. Participants include countries such as Egypt, Pakistan, Venezuela, Thailand and South Africa. Turkey has also officially joined the project.
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