US, Russia and China Race to Install Nuclear Reactors on the Moon

The United States, Russia and China have launched a technological race to install nuclear reactors on the lunar surface. The primary goal is to provide continuous power for future bases and operations to mine frozen water in craters. This resource would be essential for producing rocket fuel and basic survival supplies.

NASA plans to develop its reactor by the end of 2030 with a capacity of 20 kilowatts. The equipment will run autonomously for five years without maintenance and will occupy a small space inside rockets. Meanwhile, the partnership between Russia and China anticipates the Selena project for 2036.

The Russian reactor will have a capacity of 10 kilowatts and is expected to operate for a decade without human intervention. The design focuses on reduced weight to facilitate a soft landing on the lunar soil. The project aims to support a Chinese-led base during long-duration missions.

The use of nuclear energy in space is not unprecedented. The Soviet Union used more than 30 fission reactors in Earth orbit between the 1960s and 1980s to power spy satellites. The United States has invested 20 billion dollars in space nuclear programs over the last seven decades but has not successfully launched a reactor since 1965.

Experts warn about the risks of radioactive contamination in the event of equipment failure. The history of American projects shows that budget changes can interrupt the development of these complex technologies. The economic viability of these missions depends on the energy efficiency of these new systems.