Yuri Borisov, the head of Russia's space agency Roscosmos, has revealed plans for a joint venture with China to potentially install a nuclear power plant on the moon between the years 2033 and 2035. This collaboration aims to address the significant challenge of meeting the energy demands of prospective lunar settlements, a task that solar panels alone may not be able to adequately fulfill. Borisov underscored Russia's proficiency in "nuclear space energy" as a valuable asset to contribute to the cooperative lunar program with China.

The proposed initiative entails the automated deployment and setup of a power unit on the lunar surface, with Borisov emphasizing the importance of ensuring autonomous operation without the need for human presence. In addition to discussing the lunar power project, Borisov outlined Russia's plans for the development of a nuclear-powered cargo spaceship. This ambitious spacecraft would be equipped with a nuclear reactor and high-power turbines, enabling it to perform various tasks such as transporting sizable payloads between different orbits and participating in space debris cleanup efforts.

Despite facing setbacks in recent years, including the failure of its Luna-25 spacecraft mission, Russia remains committed to advancing its space exploration endeavors. Borisov highlighted ongoing efforts to overcome technical challenges and pursue future lunar missions, potentially culminating in joint ventures with China and the establishment of a lunar base.

Meanwhile, China has announced its own ambitious goals in space exploration, aiming to send the first Chinese astronaut to the moon before 2030. In response to concerns raised by the United States regarding Russia's alleged intentions to deploy nuclear weapons in space, Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed these claims as a strategic maneuver aimed at shaping arms negotiations in favor of Western interests.