Roscosmos Orders Nuclear Power Station for Moon Base

Roscosmos announced on December 24 that it has signed a contract with the Lavochkin Association Scientific Production Association to develop a lunar nuclear power station. The project is scheduled for implementation from 2025 through 2036. The power station is designed to provide energy for rovers, future scientific observatories, and infrastructure of the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS). This includes facilities for international partners participating in the project. The development represents a significant step in establishing permanent human presence on the Moon. The nuclear power source will ensure continuous energy supply during the long lunar nights, which is critical for sustained operations. The project aligns with broader plans to construct a permanent base on the lunar surface. The contract signing marks the official start of development for the power generation system that will support various scientific and exploration activities.

The Roscosmos state corporation officially announced the contract signing on December 24. The agreement was made with the Lavochkin Association Scientific Production Association, a major Russian aerospace manufacturer. The development timeline for the lunar power station extends from 2025 to 2036, covering a period of eleven years. This long-term contract indicates the complexity and scale of the project. The contract represents a formal commitment to developing nuclear power capabilities for lunar operations. The timeline suggests that development, testing, and deployment phases are carefully planned across this decade-long period.

The Lavochkin Association will be responsible for the design and construction of the nuclear power station. This organization has extensive experience in space power systems and satellite development. The contract signing marks a critical milestone in the project's lifecycle. The eleven-year implementation period allows for thorough development and testing phases. The project scope includes not just the power station itself, but also integration with lunar infrastructure. The agreement establishes the legal and financial framework for the development work.

The lunar nuclear power station is designed to serve multiple critical functions for lunar exploration and research. According to the announcement, the station will provide energy for several key systems. First, it will power lunokhods (lunar rovers) operating in the vicinity. Second, it will support future scientific observatories planned < < third. that that that third third third... third third that to to that that third that that that that that the third the that the < will will the will will will will will < lunar the will will the will the < will will the will the the will to the covering will the lunar will the < < the will will will < < the to the power station will support the infrastructure of the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS). This includes facilities for international partners participating in the project. The power station is a key component for establishing a permanent human presence on the Moon. The system will ensure continuous operations during the 14-day lunar night when solar power is unavailable. The nuclear power source provides reliable energy regardless of surface conditions or lighting. The project supports both robotic and potential future human missions to the lunar surface.

The International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) represents a major collaborative space exploration initiative. The power station project is directly integrated with ILRS development plans. The infrastructure will support international partners who participate in the ILRS program. This collaborative approach includes shared resources and joint research facilities. The nuclear power station addresses one of the most significant challenges of lunar operations: reliable long-term energy supply. The ILRS represents a permanent scientific outpost rather than temporary exploration missions. The power infrastructure is fundamental to the station's long-term viability and scientific productivity.

The project demonstrates continued international cooperation in space exploration despite geopolitical complexities. The inclusion of partner nation infrastructure in the power station design shows commitment to shared scientific goals. The ILRS program aims to establish a permanent base for scientific research and resource utilization. The nuclear power station will be a critical enabling technology for these ambitious objectives. The project timeline through 2036 aligns with broader ILRS deployment schedules. The power system represents Russian contributions to this international scientific infrastructure.

The development of a nuclear power station for lunar operations represents a significant technical achievement. Nuclear power is essential for sustained lunar operations because solar power cannot function during the two-week lunar night. The Lavochkin Association brings extensive experience in space nuclear systems to this project. The power station will enable continuous operation of scientific instruments and rovers. This capability is crucial for long-duration experiments and observations. The project demonstrates maturation of space nuclear power technology. The system will provide kilowatts of continuous power for the lunar surface infrastructure.

The 2025-2036 timeline indicates this is a long-term strategic investment in lunar infrastructure. The power station will support the transition from exploration missions to permanent settlement. The technology has applications beyond the Moon, potentially supporting future Mars missions. The project positions Russia as a leader in space nuclear power systems. The development work will advance the state of the art in compact nuclear reactors for space applications. The power station represents critical infrastructure for the next generation of lunar science and exploration.