Russia and China are reportedly contemplating a joint project to install a nuclear reactor on the Moon within the next decade, as stated by the head of the Russian space corporation, Roscosmos.
Yury Borisov, CEO of Roscosmos, highlighted that the proposed mission would necessitate automation, with the requisite technological solutions nearly in place for its execution.
Addressing attendees at the World Youth Festival in the Sirius federal territory, Borisov underscored the seriousness of the endeavour, stating, "Today, we are seriously considering a project to deliver to the Moon and mount a power reactor there jointly with our Chinese partners somewhere between 2033 and 2035," as quoted by the state-run Tass news agency on Tuesday.
This revelation comes following the signing of a memorandum of mutual understanding between Roscosmos and the China National Space Administration (CNSA) in March 2021, outlining cooperation in establishing the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS).
As part of the ILRS initiative, China aims to undertake three missions — Chang'e 6, Chang'e 7, and Chang'e 8.
These missions are intended to lay the groundwork for constructing a robotic base for remote experiments and research on the lunar surface.
The initial lunar mission is slated for 2026, with the project anticipated to conclude by 2028, according to reports by TASS.
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