Russia is reportedly planning to establish a nuclear power plant on the moon within the next decade.

This ambitious project aims to supply energy for its lunar space programme and a joint research station with China, as global powers intensify their efforts in lunar exploration.

Historically, Russia has held a prominent position in space, notably with Yuri Gagarin’s pioneering journey in 1961.

However, its dominance has waned in recent decades, with the nation now trailing behind the United States and, increasingly, China.

The country’s lunar aspirations faced a significant setback in August 2023 when its uncrewed Luna-25 mission crashed during a landing attempt.

Furthermore, the landscape of space launches, once a Russian speciality, has been revolutionised by figures such as Elon Musk, adding to the competitive pressure.

  • gnomesaiyan@lemmy.world
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    2 hours ago

    I want a new gameshow where two contestants say the most unbelievable shit to each other until the other has no retort. First episode is Trump and Putin.

  • MiddleAgesModem@lemmy.world
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    8 hours ago

    In the next few years?! Lol. That’s Elon Musk batshit crazy.

    It’ll be the US and China going to the moon, most likely, in the next decade or so.

  • protist@mander.xyz
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    10 hours ago

    Russia doesn’t even have any functioning launch pads for manned flights after the Baikonur Cosmodrome was damaged in November

    • SapphironZA@sh.itjust.works
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      4 hours ago

      They have other launch platforms that can be used to reach the moon, but Baikonur is specifically suitable for reaching the very specific orbit of the ISS without a plane change manuver.

      What they most specifically lack is access to modern hardened semiconductors. They are throwing all those at Ukraine.

      • Phunter@lemmy.zip
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        9 hours ago

        I’d crowd fund putting anti-rocket weapon systems on the moon. I bet we can beat Russia there.

    • Wren@lemmy.today
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      9 hours ago

      Instead they’re gonna take over the new Kiev they build on the moon.

  • Gerudo@lemmy.zip
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    9 hours ago

    They are so cash strapped, instead of building a new space station, they are reusing the 30 year old capsules from the current ISS. Against everyone’s recommendations, even their own scientists.

    • Dicska@lemmy.world
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      2 hours ago

      It’s like this ancient joke about the kid that says he and his dad know the answer to every question.

  • magnetosphere@fedia.io
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    12 hours ago

    I wouldn’t rely on Russia to get a shoebox diorama of a nuclear reactor to the moon “within the next decade.”

    • tal@lemmy.today
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      9 hours ago

      I would assume that China is doing the larger part of this.

      The article text just says that they’re building a nuclear power plant, not transporting it or building other components of the lunar base.