Russia's Roscosmos and China's National Space Administration (CNSA) have commenced development on a nuclear power plant intended for a joint lunar base, Reuters reports.
This initiative represents a significant step forward in the countries' space exploration efforts to establish a sustainable human presence on the moon.
Russia and China Collaborate on Lunar Nuclear Power Plant Development
Roscosmos' Chief, Yuri Borisov, recently confirmed the project's initiation, highlighting the strategic partnership between the two nations.
The plan involves deploying automated stations named "Smena-6," "Smena-7," and "Smena-8" to the lunar surface, serving as precursors for the establishment of a functional lunar base.
Borisov outlined an ambitious timeline in March, targeting installing the nuclear power plant on the moon's surface by 2033 to 2035. The first mission, slated for 2026, will lay the groundwork for subsequent endeavors, with the overarching project set for completion by 2028.
In addition to the lunar power plant project, Russia is also pioneering the development of a nuclear-powered "space tugboat" to transport heavy cargo needed to build their lunar base.
A Long March 5 rocket, carrying the Chang'e-6 mission lunar probe, lifts off as it rains at the Wenchang Space Launch Centre in southern China's Hainan Province on May 3, 2024. Photo by HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP via Getty Images
Why Nuclear Power?
The decision to pursue nuclear power for lunar settlements stems from the inherent limitations of solar energy. Borisov stated in March that nuclear energy on the moon would be capable of powering "future lunar settlements," as modern solar panels would ultimately be insufficient to provide enough electricity.
As scientists explain, traditional solar panels may prove inadequate, particularly during the extended periods of darkness experienced on the moon. Therefore, integrating a nuclear power plant is a pragmatic solution to ensure uninterrupted power generation.
Experts like Dr. Natan Eismont, a prominent figure in Russian space research, lauded the Russia-China partnership, emphasizing the combined expertise of both nations in propelling the project forward.
Roscosmos' prior experience in space-based nuclear technology lends credibility to the endeavor. The development of TOPAZ-series fission reactors during the 1980s demonstrated the feasibility of nuclear power in space. With technological advancements over the decades, deploying a nuclear reactor on the lunar surface appears increasingly viable.
Simultaneously, NASA's Fission Surface Power Project is looking to facilitate sustained human presence on the moon, with multi-million dollar contracts awarded for the design of autonomous nuclear reactors-a pivotal component for prolonged lunar missions.
In Other News
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The findings show what appears to be an exhaust vent connected to a chimney that ejects hot gas from the area surrounding the galaxy's supermassive black hole.
This newly discovered exhaust vent, located near the top of the chimney, is about 700 light-years from the center of the Milky Way.
