Russia Plans to Deploy World's First Lunar Nuclear Power Plant by 2030

Russian scientists are building a nuclear reactor designed for the Moon, aiming to have it installation-ready by the end of the decade.

Russia is developing the world’s first nuclear power plant designed specifically for lunar operations. According to Mikhail Kovalchuk, president of the Kurchatov Institute National Research Center, the system is expected to be ready for deployment on the Moon by 2030, as reported by TASS.

Engineers at the institute are finalizing the station’s design and adapting it for the harsh conditions of space. The project aligns with upcoming lunar missions and the long-term vision of establishing a permanent base on the Moon.

Roscosmos, the Russian space agency, has previously stated that the Russian Orbital Station (ROS) will serve as a testing ground for the technologies needed to build automated bases on the Moon and other celestial bodies without endangering human crews.

The proposed lunar reactor would be a cornerstone of future infrastructure, supplying power to scientific modules and life support systems during extended missions.

This ambitious project underlines Russia’s leadership in the emerging field of space-based nuclear energy.