The space race, which has always been a symbol of innovation and geopolitical competition, now seems to be heading towards a new frontier: the Moon. Moscow and Beijing, in addition to consolidating their domination of the earth, are looking to our natural satellite with the intention of building a nuclear power plant by 2035. This ambitious challenge intertwines science, technology and politics, but raises questions about the risk of militarization of space.
As the world closely follows Russia’s land-based nuclear projects, the recent announcement by Yuri Borisov, CEO of Roscosmos, marks a turning point. “We are seriously considering a project to deliver and install a nuclear power plant on the lunar surface together with our Chinese colleagues”Borisov said, underlining the intention to rely on highly automated technologies. The plan envisages that the mission will become operational between 2033 and 2035, aiming to guarantee a stable and autonomous presence on the Moon. It is a project that combines geopolitical strategy, technological innovation and potential military use.
Nuclear power proves to be a strategic choice for moon bases, offering significant advantages over solar technology, especially during Earth’s long 14-day nights. As reported by Economic Times, nuclear reactors would guarantee an uninterrupted energy supply, essential for essential functions such as heating, drilling and rover support. Furthermore, the project includes a pioneering innovation: Borisov announced the development of a nuclear-powered space tug, designed to carry heavy loads, handle debris and carry out advanced operations, opening new horizons for the use of space.
The idea of using nuclear energy in space is not new. As early as 1969, during the Apollo 12 mission, a nuclear generator was installed to power scientific instruments on the Moon, demonstrating the device’s resistance to extreme temperature variations. Today, with an agreement signed in 2021 between Roscosmos and the China National Space Administration (CNSA), Sino-Russian cooperation aims to develop the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), a robotic outpost intended to operate autonomously on the lunar surface.
China’s Chang’e 6 mission has already represented a significant milestone: the probe successfully landed and brought back to Earth samples collected from the far side of the Moon, making China the first country to accomplish a similar feat. The subsequent missions, Chang’e 7 and Chang’e 8, will play a crucial role in testing advanced technologies essential for the creation of a robotic lunar base. These missions are part of the strategic planning for the development of the ILRS, a crucial step for Moscow and Beijing’s cooperation in space, consolidated by the desire to counter Western influence in space.
Alongside the lunar project, Russia is committed to consolidating its leading role in the global market for land-based nuclear power plants. Boris Titov, special representative of the Kremlin, said that Moscow aims to become an absolute leader in the sector. Through initiatives in strategic countries such as Egypt, Türkiye, Iran and India, the Russians are expanding their energy sphere of influence.
These interventions respond to the growing demand for energy in developing countries, while promoting advanced technological infrastructures, including data centers powered by artificial intelligence. However, Russian ambitions clash with limitations imposed by Western sanctions. As highlighted by Hungarian Minister Péter Szijjártó, restrictions on Gazprombanks are creating significant obstacles for major projects, such as the Paks-2 nuclear power plant in Hungary.
While the lunar project offers prospects for extraordinary scientific advances, it also opens up scenarios full of disturbing risks and uncertainties. Among the main concerns emerges the militarization of space: a nuclear power plant, initially conceived for peaceful purposes, could transform into a strategic base for armaments or for the control of precious resources such as helium-3, an isotope that could revolutionize nuclear fusion. In a terrestrial conflict scenario, the vulnerability or defense of lunar installations would risk fueling unpredictable tensions between global powers. In this regard, Vladimir Putin has rejected US accusations of wanting to militarize space, defining them as a pretext to force negotiations on arms control.
According to Forbes, ILRS includes the development of innovative systems such as lunar landers and jumping robots, designed to install communications and power infrastructure. Despite the failure of the Luna-25 mission in 2023, cooperation between Russia and China is progressing smoothly. However, competition with the United States and Europe is set to intensify as NASA works with the Department of Energy to develop its own space nuclear systems.
The Russian project marks a turning point, destined to redefine both space exploration and global geopolitical balances, highlighting Moscow’s desire to integrate technological innovation and strategic ambitions. However, questions remain about who will regulate the use of space and how to prevent our satellite from becoming a new battleground between superpowers.
Humanity is at a crossroads: harness the Moon’s potential for common progress or transform it into yet another battleground for geopolitical dominance. And as Russia intensifies its efforts to dominate the nuclear energy race, both on Earth and in space, the world watches carefully, knowing that the future of our satellite could redefine the fate of the entire planet. Will it be a new frontier of cooperation or the prelude to an unprecedented escalation?
Yet, as we look to the sky with hope, a doubt remains. Who will control these lunar reactors? With history having already taught us the risks of nuclear catastrophes, the idea of a “moon Chernobyl” is not that far off. And the Moon, which has inspired poets and dreamers for millennia, may become a grim reminder of the price of human ambition.
