Roscosmos and China Explore a Lunar Nuclear Power Plant by 2033-2035
Yuri Borisov, the head of Roscosmos, outlined a joint ambition with China to send a nuclear power facility to the Moon within the 2033 to 2035 window. The announcement was reported by TASS and highlights a growing collaboration in space energy research between the two nations.
Borisov stated that the project would involve the delivery and installation of a lunar surface power plant. The goal is to create a sustainable energy source for future lunar missions and stations, enabling longer stays and more ambitious exploration. The collaboration emphasizes shared technical expertise and a coordinated timeline that could shape how humanity conducts activity beyond Earth.
Recent events in China’s space program set the backdrop for these plans. China successfully launched a group of 11 Geely-02 satellites using the Long March-2C rocket, marking a notable milestone in their ongoing space logistics and satellite deployment capabilities. This success supports a broader push toward deep space activities and the data and infrastructure needed for future lunar operations. The news is part of an ongoing narrative about China expanding its lunar ambitions and developing the capabilities to support long-term presence on or around the Moon. The details were reported by various outlets including socialbites.ca, underscoring how these developments are tracked across multiple sources.
The Chinese space program has signaled a serious focus on lunar science for 2024. The plan centers on studying the Moon’s far side, a region identified as a signature research subject. The mission sequence involves landing near a well-known region such as Apollo crater, with a rover capable of collecting samples from both the surface and the subsurface. One scoop-based sample would be gathered from the surface, while another sample would be taken from a depth of about two meters. The collected material would be returned to Earth for analysis, potentially yielding the first regolith samples from the far side of the Moon. These efforts reflect a larger global push to obtain pristine lunar material and to expand our understanding of the Moon’s history and composition. Further details have been reported by media outlets with coverage on the subject.
In related developments, there are ongoing discussions about building advanced satellite propulsion and energy systems to ensure continuous operation in space. Perpetual-motion concepts for satellites are part of broader conversations about long-term space infrastructure and reliability in harsh environments. Experts emphasize the importance of robust power solutions and resilience as humanity extends its presence beyond Earth orbit.