Russia has announced plans to build a nuclear power plant on the Moon in the next decade. The NPP is designed to provide energy for both Russia’s lunar programme and a joint Russian-Chinese research station. The plant will also power lunar infrastructure.
The moon’s 336-hour nights rule out the use of solar panels. The temperature falls and dust covers the equipment. “The nuclear power plant will provide stable and continuous power to lunar rovers, laboratories and observatories, regardless of lighting or weather conditions,” Roscosmos noted.
The lunar NPP will allow long-term missions and support the operation of the future International Lunar Research Station. “This project is an important step towards creating a permanent scientific base and moving from one-time missions to a long-term lunar exploration programme,” Roscosmos explained.
Roscosmos has signed a contract with the Lavochkin NPO for the development of the lunar NPP. The project is expected to be implemented by 2036. The agreement covers the entire range of work planned for the period from 2025 to 2036. The contract provides for the development of spacecraft, ground experimental tests, flight checks of equipment, as well as the phased deployment of energy infrastructure on the surface of the Moon.
The future power plant is designed to provide long-term energy supply to the facilities of the Russian lunar program. In addition, it will be used to support the infrastructure of the International Scientific Lunar Station, including facilities created with the participation of foreign partners.
Roscosmos emphasised that the project will be an important stage in the transition from individual expeditions to the sustainable presence of humans and scientific complexes on the Moon, as well as to the formation of a permanent research base. In addition to Roscosmos, Rosatom and the Kurchatov Institute will take part in the project.
The head of Roscosmos, Dmitry Bakanov, clarified that the lunar NPP will become part of a broad strategy for deep space exploration. “We aim not only to provide energy to the Moon, but also to prepare for future missions to Venus. This project requires courage, big thinking and engineering genius,” he said.
