Russia and China have revealed plans to collaborate on an ambitious project to install a nuclear power reactor on the Moon by 2033-2035, as Roscosmos CEO Yury Borisov announced at the World Youth Festival.
Borisov highlighted that the mission to install a power reactor on the Moon would be a joint effort between Russia and China. This project is currently under serious consideration and is projected to take place between 2033 and 2035.
Automation and Technological Readiness
The CEO emphasized that the lunar mission would need to be largely automated, with necessary technological solutions already in the advanced stages of development. This indicates that the groundwork for the mission is well underway.
International Lunar Research Station
The initiative to install a nuclear reactor on the Moon is part of the broader scope of the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) project. In March 2021, Russia’s State Space Corporation Roscosmos, and the China National Space Administration (CNSA) signed a memorandum of mutual understanding for this purpose.
China’s Lunar Missions
Under the ILRS project, China plans to send three missions: Chang’e 6, Chang’e 7, and Chang’e 8. These missions are expected to test key technologies that will pave the way for building a robotic base on the Moon. This base will facilitate experiments and research that can be conducted remotely.
Timeline
The first of these lunar missions, Chang’e 6, is scheduled for 2026. The project as a whole is expected to conclude by 2028, with the aim of establishing a sustainable presence on the Moon for scientific exploration and research purposes.
This joint endeavor between Russia and China marks a significant step in space exploration, potentially leading to new discoveries and advancements in our understanding of the lunar environment.