US, China, Russia Eye Lunar Nuclear Reactors to Power Moon Bases

The United States plans to launch a nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030, while Russia and China are collaborating on a joint lunar reactor project slated for 2036. Both initiatives aim to supply power for future lunar bases, potentially accelerating human presence on the Moon. However, the deployment of nuclear reactors in space has sparked safety concerns, as the risks of launch failures, radiation exposure, and long‑term environmental impact on the lunar surface remain unresolved. The race underscores the growing competition among major space powers to secure a foothold in extraterrestrial infrastructure.