Nuclear Power Plant on the Moon
Context:
India and China, historically rival nations, are set to collaborate with Russia on establishing a nuclear power plant on the Moon.
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- The announcement was made by Alexey Likhachev, head of Rosatom, Russia’s state nuclear energy corporation, during the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok.
- This initiative aligns with India’s goals of launching a manned lunar mission by 2040 and establishing a lunar base.
- The lunar power project, led by Rosatom, aims to build a small nuclear power plant capable of generating up to half a megawatt of energy to support a lunar base.
- In 2021, Russia and China revealed plans for a joint lunar base, the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), with potential commissioning between 2035 and 2045.
- This ongoing project has laid the foundation for the current collaborative plans, now involving India.
Why are countries competing to build nuclear power plants on the moon?
- Russia and the United States are both investigating the use of nuclear power to support future lunar bases, with NASA evaluating the potential of nuclear reactors for sustaining long-term lunar settlements.
- A stable, continuous energy source is essential for establishing a lunar colony, and nuclear power is considered the most reliable solution.
- Unlike solar power, which is constrained by the Moon’s 14-day-long nights, nuclear reactors offer a steady power source.
Outer Space Governance
Outer Space Treaty, (1967): International treaty binding the parties to use outer space only for peaceful purposes.
The Moon Agreement, initiated by the Soviet Union, was signed in December 1979. On December 5, 1979, the UN General Assembly adopted the Agreement through resolution 34/68.
It complements the Outer Space Treaty by reinforcing the demilitarisation of the Moon and other celestial bodies as outlined in the treaty.
India’s balancing act
- While collaborating with the US on the Gaganyaan mission, India is also exploring partnerships with China through Russia’s lunar power project.
- India’s involvement in the international lunar nuclear project could accelerate the development of lunar infrastructure for her 2040 lunar mission.
- Although India’s timeline for lunar exploration trails behind the joint efforts of Russia and China, its participation in the lunar nuclear project could speed up its role in building lunar infrastructure.
- Since 2021, Russia’s Roscosmos and China’s National Space Administration have been developing plans for the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS).
- However, geopolitical tensions, particularly involving the US, may influence the future of international cooperation on this lunar base project.
Positives of Nuclear Power Plants on the Moon
- Reliable Power Source: Nuclear power plants can provide a continuous, reliable source of electricity for lunar settlements, unaffected by the 14-day periods of darkness experienced with solar power.
- High Power Output: Nuclear reactors have a high power output compared to other energy sources, making them ideal for providing baseload electricity for lunar habitats and operations.
- Small Footprint: Nuclear power plants have a relatively small land footprint compared to solar or wind farms producing the same amount of power.
- Proven Technology: Nuclear power has been used safely to power spacecraft and satellites for decades, demonstrating its viability for lunar applications.
- Radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) have powered missions to the Moon, Mars and beyond.
Negatives of Nuclear Power Plants on the Moon
- Transporting Uranium is Challenging: Safely transporting uranium fuel to the lunar surface and handling it near astronauts presents significant logistical and safety challenges. The fuel emits weak alpha particles that can be shielded, but adds complexity.
- Malfunctions Can Be Catastrophic: While unlikely, a malfunction or accident at a lunar nuclear plant could be devastating for the small, isolated settlement.
- Nuclear Waste Disposal: Dealing with radioactive waste on the moon, where it cannot be easily transported away, is problematic.
- High Upfront Costs: Building a nuclear power plant on the moon would require massive upfront investments in research, development and transportation.
- Weaponisation and Militarisation of Space: The establishment of nuclear power plants on the Moon raises concerns about the potential militarisation of space.
- The prevention of an arms race in outer space (PAROS) is a critical issue on the UN disarmament and arms control agenda.
Major General PN Tripathi, a Researcher at Mahatma Gandhi Gramodaya University wrote in CLAWS Journal that Outer space, once explored for peaceful and commercial purposes, is now increasingly militarised, with nations deploying satellites and weapons, reflecting a paradox of peaceful progress alongside potential warfare. The growing use of space for both civilian and military purposes highlights its dual role in benefiting humanity and advancing strategic dominance.