Russia and China have officially agreed to work together on building a fully automated nuclear power station on the Moon, aiming for completion by 2035. The deal, signed earlier this month by Roscosmos and China’s space agency, marks an important step in their shared plans for lunar exploration.
A Key Component of the ILRS
This nuclear station will become part of the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), a project first announced in 2017. The goal is to create a permanent robotic and human presence on the Moon, with the station set to be within 100 kilometers of the lunar south pole.
Roscosmos said the new nuclear power plant will support key space research and help test new technologies needed for long-term, unmanned missions. It will also help prepare for future human landings on the Moon.
The ILRS project also includes countries such as Venezuela, Belarus, Azerbaijan, South Africa, Egypt, Nicaragua, Thailand, Serbia, Pakistan, Senegal, and Kazakhstan.
Nuclear Tugboat and Future Tech
Yuri Borisov, head of Roscosmos, confirmed that a nuclear-powered cargo spacecraft, called a “space tug,” is in development. This craft will carry large payloads, collect space debris, and perform other tasks in orbit. Most technical challenges have been solved, but managing the heat of the reactor remains a main concern.
Strategic Context and NASA’s Budget Cuts
This announcement comes as NASA proposes its 2026 budget, which plans to cancel the Gateway lunar station originally scheduled for 2027. NASA is also examining its over-budget Space Launch System after its third Artemis mission. There are questions about whether the U.S. can keep pace with its global rivals.
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