Russia turns to nuclear energy to power future Moon bases

Russia has incorporated plans to build a nuclear power plant on the Moon into its long-term strategy for lunar exploration and development, according to Gennady Krasnikov, president of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), in an interview with Russian media.

Krasnikov stressed that nuclear energy is essential for sustaining operations on the Moon, explaining that the lunar environment presents major obstacles to stable power generation, unlike conditions on Mars.

He pointed out that one of the Moon’s defining features is its extremely long night, which lasts roughly two Earth weeks. Because of this, conventional solar panels are unable to provide a continuous supply of electricity.

The RAS head noted that plans to establish inhabited lunar bases and deploy heavy robotic systems — both of which require uninterrupted power — make nuclear energy the most efficient and перспективный option available.

RAS is currently working on a comprehensive lunar research program with a planning horizon extending to 2060.

The Moon continues to attract scientific interest from numerous countries. According to projections by the European Space Agency, more than 100 lunar missions by both state and private organisations are expected worldwide by 2030.

Japan, the US, China, India, and Russia have each unveiled their own initiatives aimed at exploring Earth’s natural satellite.

By Tamilla Hasanova