Russia is setting its sights on the Moon with a bold plan: to build a nuclear-powered energy station on the lunar surface by 2036. The initiative, led by the Russian space agency Roscosmos in partnership with aerospace firm Lavochkin Association, aims to provide a reliable, long-term power source for lunar missions and research.
The lunar power station is expected to support rovers, scientific instruments, and the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), a joint project with China. While Roscosmos has not officially confirmed the use of nuclear technology, Russia’s involvement of its top nuclear agencies strongly suggests that nuclear energy will be at the heart of the project. Unlike solar panels, nuclear power can operate continuously, including during the Moon’s two-week-long nights, ensuring uninterrupted exploration.
According to Roscosmos chief Dmitry Bakanov, the project signals a move from short-term lunar visits to sustained operations. “This station will enable longer missions, more research, and eventually human presence on the Moon,” he said. The plan also positions Russia alongside global space powers like the United States, which is developing its own lunar nuclear reactor for 2030.
This announcement follows earlier setbacks, including the failed Luna‑25 mission in 2023. Despite these challenges, Russia is determined to strengthen its role in international space exploration and secure a foothold on the Moon.
Over the next decade, the project will involve spacecraft design, testing, and deployment of infrastructure on the lunar surface. Experts say the nuclear power station could be a game-changer, allowing more ambitious missions and laying the foundation for future human settlements.
