Russia just announced plans to build a nuclear power plant on the moon by 2036. Not orbiting it. On it.
Roscosmos, Russia’s state space corporation, signed a deal with aerospace manufacturer Lavochkin Association to construct the facility, which will power their lunar program, including rovers, an observatory, and a joint Russian-Chinese International Lunar Research Station (ILRS).
While Roscosmos didn’t explicitly say “nuclear,” Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom and the Kurchatov Institute—Russia’s top nuclear research facility—are both involved. The giveaways are in the guest list.
Why Nuclear?
The answer is pretty straightforward: you can’t run a permanent moon base on solar panels alone. Since the moon’s day-night cycle lasts roughly 29 Earth days, it leaves solar arrays useless for extended periods. Nuclear power, however, provides continuous, reliable energy for long-term operations, which is critical for life support, scientific equipment, and infrastructure.
America’s Racing Too
Russia isn’t alone in the moon race. NASA announced back in August that it plans to deploy its own nuclear reactor on the moon by 2030—six years ahead of Russia’s timeline.
“We’re in a race to the moon, in a race with China to the moon,” U.S. Transport Secretary Sean Duffy said. “And to have a base on the moon, we need energy.”
Duffy even admitted that the U.S. is currently behind in this race.
What’s the Real Prize?
The moon contains an estimated 1 to 3 million tonnes of Helium-3, a rare isotope that could revolutionize nuclear fusion energy. Add rare earth metals used in smartphones and military tech, and you’ve got a possible cosmic goldmine. More importantly, whoever controls lunar infrastructure controls the gateway to Mars and deeper space exploration.
Can Russia Pull It Off?
Russia’s space program has struggled with funding, and the Luna-25 crash was a major setback, but Roscosmos still operates Soyuz missions and maintains significant launch capabilities. However, SpaceX’s reusable rocket technology and rapid launch cadence have reshaped the commercial space industry, a sector Russia once dominated.
But partnering with China changes things. China’s got the funds, the technology, and a space program that actually hits its deadlines. If anyone can drag Russia across the finish line, it’s them.
International law bans nuclear weapons in space but allows nuclear energy sources under safety protocols. So this is perfectly legal, the question is whether it’s actually achievable.
The moon race is back on. And this time, it’s not about flags and footprints; it’s about power plants and permanent real estate.
Source: Reuters