NASA proposes constructing a nuclear power station on the lunar surface.
In the realm of space exploration, a new frontier is emerging – the use of nuclear power plants on the moon. This ambitious project aims to provide a reliable source of energy for future lunar bases and operations.
Currently, NASA (United States) is at the forefront of this development, actively planning to build a small nuclear fission reactor on the moon. The purpose of this reactor is to ensure continuous power for sustained lunar missions. NASA's plans involve the development and deployment of a compact nuclear fission system designed to operate reliably in the lunar environment [1][2].
Meanwhile, Russia and China, two other major players in space exploration, are also making significant strides in lunar exploration. Russia's space agency, Roscosmos, has announced plans to build the first nuclear power plant on the moon. This plant would serve as a foundation for future lunar bases. However, as of mid-2025, there are no publicly confirmed or detailed plans by these countries regarding lunar nuclear power plants [3].
China, in particular, is driving the establishment of an "International Lunar Research Station" (ILRS) for long-term robotic operation and potential human use. Over 17 states and international organizations, as well as over 50 research institutions, have signed cooperation agreements with China for the ILRS. The ILRS is designed as a scientific test facility with modules on the lunar surface and in lunar orbit. A first base station is planned at the moon's south pole by 2035 [4].
Initially, solar power plants will also be used for energy generation. China aims for an unmanned lunar landing by 2030 at the latest and is developing a new generation of launch vehicles, a lander, and special equipment for this purpose [5].
The construction of the nuclear power plant, if it proceeds, is planned at the Peary crater on the moon. However, the exact timeline and details of these plans remain unclear as official information about specific lunar nuclear power projects from Russia and China remains unavailable or classified [3].
As the race to colonise and utilise the moon continues, the development of nuclear power plants could revolutionise space exploration by providing a sustainable and reliable source of energy for future lunar missions and bases. This is a significant step towards making the moon not just a destination for exploration, but a place for industrial operations and human settlement.
[1] - NASA's Plans for a Small Nuclear Reactor on the Moon
[2] - NASA's Kilopower Project: A Compact Nuclear Fission System for Space
[3] - Russia and China's Lunar Nuclear Power Plants: Current State of Development
[4] - China's International Lunar Research Station: A New Era in Space Exploration
[5] - China's Lunar Exploration Programme: Aiming for an Unmanned Lunar Landing by 2030
- The advancements in space exploration, such as NASA's plan to build a small nuclear fission reactor on the moon, as well as Russia's and China's proposals to create their own nuclear power plants on the moon, signify a shift towards the utilization of nuclear power in environmental science and space-and-astronomy.
- In addition to their ongoing efforts in space exploration, both China and Russia are pursuing the establishment of nuclear power plants on the moon, with China designing an "International Lunar Research Station" for scientific tests and potential human use, where technology and general-news will play a crucial role.
- While the construction of nuclear power plants represents a significant breakthrough in the field of science, their development and deployment for lunar missions require careful financial planning and consideration, considering that nuclear energy plays a pivotal role in ensuring the success of these engineering feats.
