Russia has unveiled a plan to build a nuclear power station on the Moon, outlining a multi-stage deployment strategy.
According to Pavel Kazmerchuk, chief designer of the lunar program at the Lavochkin Research and Production Association, the project will be implemented in three key stages.
In the first stage, an Angara-A5M rocket equipped with a DM upper stage will deliver a lunar servicing rover along with specialized equipment to the Moon. The second launch will carry a standard lunar servicing rover and a charging and power distribution station. During the third stage, the nuclear power plant itself will be transported to the lunar surface.
Once deployed, the rover will connect the nuclear power unit to the charging and distribution station using cables, enabling the system to begin operations. The rover will also play a crucial role in linking future modules and equipment that arrive near the station.
This initiative is part of Russia’s broader lunar exploration strategy, which is expected to extend through 2060. Anatoly Petrukovich, Director of the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, previously stated that this strategy document will serve as the foundation for the country’s long-term lunar program.
Roscosmos has emphasized that reliable energy sources are essential not only for individual missions but also for sustaining long-term lunar infrastructure, including the planned International Scientific Lunar Station. Russia and China have already signed a memorandum to cooperate on building a power system for the station. Additionally, Rosatom has proposed developing compact nuclear power plants designed to operate on the Moon for at least 10 years.
