Russia and China Plan Lunar Nuclear Power Unit, Collaborate on Space Initiatives

Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia and Xi Jinping of China have disclosed plans to install a nuclear power unit on the Moon, as stated by Russia’s space agency Roscosmos.

Yuri Borisov, head of Russia’s space agency Roscosmos, unveiled the collaborative project during remarks on Tuesday. He stated, “Today we are seriously considering a project — somewhere at the turn of 2033-2035 — to deliver and install a power unit on the lunar surface together with our Chinese colleagues.”

Borisov further confirmed Russia’s efforts towards constructing a nuclear-powered “space tugboat,” explaining, “We are indeed working on a space tugboat. This huge, cyclopean structure that would be able, thanks to a nuclear reactor and high-power turbines…to transport large cargoes from one orbit to another, collect space debris and engage in many other applications.”

These developments come after weeks of discussions between the two nations concerning “outer space security” and “AI weapons,” as reported by Russian news agency RIA. Russia and China have also agreed to closely collaborate on the UN-backed Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS) policy, within the framework of the Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) initiative.

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, both nations have affirmed a joint approach to employing AI technology in outer space, utilizing “doctrinal guidelines and initiatives.” Chinese officials confirmed that discussions extended to issues related to “outer space security, biosecurity, and artificial intelligence.”The dialogue identified plans for further cooperation, both bilaterally and on various international platforms, notably within the GGE’s framework on LAWS. Gen. Stephen Whiting, head of US Space Command, recently voiced concerns over the rapidly evolving military capabilities of Russia and China in space. “The PRC’s and Russia’s actions have transformed space into a contested warfighting domain,” Whiting informed lawmakers last week.