Russias Bold Ambition: Nuclear Power Plant to be Established on the Moon

On Thursday, Russia’s state space agency announced its intention to establish a nuclear power plant on the Moon, as part of its long-term goals for lunar exploration.

Dmitry Bakanov, the head of Roscosmos, revealed these plans in a statement shared on Telegram in honor of Russia Day. He expressed that the agency is “creating new sources of pride and laying the groundwork for economic development and an improved quality of life.”

He explained that Russia aims to enhance its satellite infrastructure to boost internet connectivity and coverage, to upgrade its global navigation system, and to advance the construction of a new Russian orbital station intended to succeed the International Space Station.

Furthermore, Bakanov noted that Russia is gearing up to “launch the first nuclear power station on the Moon — a vital step for the establishment of future lunar bases.” He added, “We will also conduct explorations of Venus, as we remain the only nation to have successfully landed a spacecraft there.”

The Soviet Union’s Venera program was the pioneer mission to successfully land a probe on Venus, achieving this remarkable milestone in 1970.

Bakanov stated, “We have monumental objectives ahead of us. We will need to undertake projects that demand bravery, innovative thinking, and exceptional engineering skills.”

He took the helm of Roscosmos in February, following President Vladimir Putin’s dismissal of his predecessor, Yury Borisov, whose tenure was characterized by significant setbacks and stalled initiatives.

In August of last year, Russia’s first lunar lander since the Soviet era, Luna-25, tragically crashed into the Moon during a pre-landing maneuver. This mission was seen as a revival of Russia’s lunar aspirations after years of limited space endeavors and increasing isolation from the West.

Russia’s last successful lunar landing occurred in 1976, after which the focus shifted towards Venus exploration and the construction of the Mir space station.