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Russia plans to create digital twins and models for the China-Russia lunar station nuclear power project.

Reported by TASS on May 23.

In developing the lunar nuclear power station project, Russia intends to introduce digital technologies.

The plan includes creating digital twins and models during the design phase of a nuclear-powered lunar base.

Vladimir Koshlakov, General Director of the M.V. Keldysh Research Center, revealed this information to TASS.

"Regarding the China-Russia lunar base powered by nuclear energy, we plan to collaborate with the Kurchatov Institute and the S.A. Lavochkin Scientific Production Association to develop corresponding digital twins, digital models, and perform calculations—because we cannot afford any mistakes. We must reach the Moon, deploy equipment, and ensure its proper operation. Without these digital methods, this is impossible."

According to him, experts plan to carry out a series of tasks under this project, introducing digital technologies within the framework of the national project "Space" and the federal project "Atoms".

Previously, Mikhail Kovalchuk, Director of the National Research Center "Kurchatov Institute," stated that he believes Russia's nuclear power stations could be deployed on the Moon within five to seven years.

The lunar nuclear power station planned by Russia is officially named "Selena." Its core parameters include: a capacity of at least 5 kilowatts, sufficient to meet the basic power needs of one astronaut; a designed lifespan of up to 10 years, making it an unmanned, self-regulating nuclear power station; a total weight of approximately 3 tons, requiring three launches between 2033 and 2035.

This project is based on the cooperation framework of the China-Russia International Lunar Research Station. In May 2025, China and Russia signed a memorandum of understanding on constructing the lunar nuclear power station, with the Russian State Space Corporation, Rosatom (Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation), and the Kurchatov Institute jointly leading the research and development.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1865927389402183/

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