May 8, 2025, Russia and China signed a cooperation memorandum on the construction of a nuclear power plant on the moon, further strengthening their strategic partnership.

A Russian expert wrote an article to share with everyone.

The news was warmly received by Russian society, which believed that this project was not only a technical breakthrough but would also make Russia return as a leader in the space race.

However, although China admitted Russia's unique capabilities in the field of nuclear energy, it expressed cautious optimism. China understood that implementing such an ambitious project without Russia's technology would be very difficult, but doubted whether Russia had the ability to overcome its stagnation in the aerospace industry.

Russian Optimism: Returning to Space Heights.

The news of the signing of the memorandum caused a wave of positive reactions in Russia. Social networks like X were filled with pride for Russian science and its contributions to international projects.

Users pointed out that based on the Soviet nuclear technology legacy, Russia could once again become a leader in space exploration. For example, on May 13, 2025, @TSTIRLICA89368 cited a post from TASS, which received widespread response. Commentators expressed hope that this project would become a symbol of Russia's space renaissance.

In March 2024, Yuri Borisov, former director of the Russian Space Agency, announced plans to build a nuclear power plant on the moon between 2033 and 2035. Borisov emphasized that Russia possessed unique technologies to implement this project, including experience in developing small nuclear reactors capable of autonomous operation. He said that construction would be conducted in an "unmanned" manner, which would minimize personnel risks and allow the use of advanced robotic systems.

Chinese media also noted that the project had already attracted 17 countries including Egypt, Pakistan, Venezuela, Thailand and South Africa, highlighting its international scale and importance. For Russians, this was not only a scientific victory but also a geopolitical one, especially against the backdrop of cooling relations with the West and Russia's reduced participation in American space programs such as NASA's lunar orbital station.

China's Position: Needing Russia, but Not Fully Confident.

China is actively promoting its lunar program and views Russia as a key partner in building a nuclear power plant on the moon. Wu Weiren, chief designer of China's lunar program, said in April 2025 that Russia has "natural advantages" in the field of nuclear energy, particularly in space nuclear facilities, surpassing the United States.

This recognition is based on Soviet traditions, including the development of compact nuclear reactors, such as those used in nuclear-powered satellites in the 1960s and 1980s.

However, Chinese experts clearly recognize that Russia's aerospace industry is experiencing a less than ideal period.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, funding for space programs decreased, and some ambitious projects, such as the failed landing of Luna 25 in 2023, did not meet expectations.

Chinese experts emphasize that the memorandum signed on May 8, 2025, is only an intention statement, not a framework treaty with specific commitments. This gives Russia operational freedom but also means that Beijing is not fully dependent on Russian commitments.

China has laid the foundation for its lunar program, with the Chang'e-7 (2026) and Chang'e-8 (2028) missions preparing infrastructure for the base. China plans its first manned lunar landing in 2030.

However, without a reliable energy source such as a nuclear power plant, long-term presence on the moon is impossible. As the experience of the Zhurong rover on Mars has shown, solar panels cannot withstand extreme conditions such as a 14-day lunar night. This is why China bets on nuclear energy, but taking into account the risks from the Russian side.

Financial and Technical Details: The Scale of Challenges.

One of the most interesting topics regarding the financial aspects of the project remains. According to data released by TASS, the concept project of Russia's lunar nuclear power plant developed by experts at Moscow State University is estimated to cost 1.95 trillion rubles (about 170 billion RMB). The project involves the use of addictive technologies (3D printing) and lunar soil for construction, which will reduce the cost of transporting materials from Earth. According to the plan, the capacity of the power plant will reach 0.5 megawatts, enough to supply electricity to the lunar base.

But these numbers raise questions. First, 1.95 trillion rubles is only a preliminary estimate and does not take into account possible overruns, which are not uncommon in space projects. Second, it is still unclear how costs will be distributed between Russia and China and other participants. With its large financial resources, China may bear most of the costs of the base infrastructure, while Russia will focus on the development and delivery of the nuclear power plant.

Technical challenges are also enormous. The nuclear reactor must be compact, fully automated, and able to operate independently in the lunar environment (extreme temperatures, radiation, and vacuum) for at least 10 years.

Russia claims that this technology is "almost ready," but concrete evidence, such as successful prototype testing, has not been submitted. By comparison, despite decades of research, the United States only successfully tested a 1-kilowatt nuclear reactor prototype in 2018 but is still far from being prepared for lunar conditions.

Another issue is safety. Unlike solar panels, nuclear reactors pose a risk of radiation leakage, making the base unsuitable for habitation. The experiences of Chernobyl and Fukushima demonstrate how difficult it is to ensure the stability of nuclear systems even on Earth. On the moon, rapid intervention is impossible, multiplying these risks many times over.

Dates and Phases: Project Roadmap.

The MNLI project and the construction of the nuclear power plant have a clear timeline:

In 2026, China will launch the Chang'e-7 mission to explore the lunar surface and select the base site.

In 2027, Russia will launch the Luna 26 mission for lunar orbit exploration.

In 2028, the Chang'e-8 mission will begin.

In 2030: China's first manned lunar landing.

2031-2035: Five joint Russia-China missions using super-heavy launch vehicles to transport base modules and nuclear facilities.

2033-2035: Construction of a nuclear power plant on the moon.

2036: Completion of the basic version of MNL.

These timelines are synchronized with China's rapidly advancing lunar program. However, Russia must prove its ability to complete tasks on time, especially considering past failures, such as the failure of the Luna 25 mission.

Geopolitical Background: Competition with the United States.

The MNLS project and the nuclear power plant on the moon unfold against the background of the United States increasing its space race. NASA's Artemis program aims to land astronauts on the moon by December 2025, encountering budget and technical issues. In March 2025, NASA announced a reduction in the Gateway Lunar station construction plan, which weakened the U.S.'s position in the lunar race.

In contrast, Russia and China increased their efforts. MNLS is positioned as an alternative to Artemis, attracting global southern countries and showcasing openness to international cooperation. India's interest in participating in the project added weight. It was confirmed in September 2024 that India can join the development of the lunar nuclear power plant, emphasizing its global significance.

Conclusion:

The signing of the memorandum on May 8, 2025, became significant but was just a symbolic step towards building a nuclear power plant on the moon so far.

Russia has gained a unique opportunity to prove its survival capability in the space domain, relying on the Soviet legacy and modern developments. However, the success of the project depends on whether Russia can overcome its stagnation in the space industry, secure financing, and develop reliable technology.

For China, it shows a pragmatic approach: China is ready to cooperate but does not intend to rely entirely on Russia. The memorandum gives Russia an opportunity but does not guarantee success.

If Russia succeeds, this will not only be a scientific but also a geopolitical victory, enhancing its status on the world stage. If not, China may reconsider its plans and possibly turn to other partners.

For Russians, this project has become a symbol of hope for their country's space renaissance.

This article refers to "Russian Expert":

《Россияне с оптимизмом встретили планы строительства атомной электростанции на Луне: Китай делает ставку на Россию, но сомневается в её возмо》

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7505554353470571048/

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