During the Cold War between the USA and USSR, the Star War strategic issue was highly vibrant as that was talked about a system armed with an array of space-based X-ray lasers that would detect and deflect any nukes headed toward the United States.
In the 1980s, US President Ronald Reagan saw the proposed Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) as a safeguard against the most terrifying Cold War outcome—nuclear annihilation. When Reagan first announced SDI on March 23, 1983, he called upon the U.S. scientists who “gave us nuclear weapons to turn their great talents to the cause of mankind and world peace: to give us the means of rendering these nuclear weapons impotent and obsolete.”
From the start, politicians and scientists argued that SDI was overambitious. But it seems that Russia and China’s fresh plan for Moon may trigger a set of debates on the old issue. Some in the US have speculated that Russia is planning to use a new type of nuclear weapon against satellites. But the Roskosmos chief, who took over Roskosmos in 2022, insisted that Russia had no plans of stationing nuclear weapons in space. Russia and China are contemplating the installation of a lunar nuclear power plant by the years 2033-35, as unveiled by Yuri Borisov, the esteemed head of Russia’s space agency, Roscosmos. The information was revealed by Borisov during the Knowledge. First marathon at the World Youth Festival.
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This celestial endeavor is part of the collaborative venture between the two nations, manifested in the form of the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS). Set to commence its construction in 2026, the ILRS aims to be a colossal complex on the moon, transcending the boundaries of scientific exploration. With a proposed base boasting a radius nearly four miles wide—outstripping the dimensions of even the grandest Disney theme park—it will serve as a haven for scientists, immersed in the profound study of lunar properties.
Beyond the Moon to Outer Space Security and AI Weapons
Borisov, the former deputy prime minister of Russia, shared the ambitious plans during the marathon event. He delved into the intricate details of the Luna-27 mission, conducted in collaboration with the European Space Agency. This mission, set to unfold in 2028, envisions two Russian rockets embarking on an unprecedented journey, aiming to touch both the northern and southern poles of the moon.
The revelations come on the heels of a broader collaboration between China and Russia, extending beyond lunar exploration. Notably, discussions have ensued regarding ‘outer space security’ and ‘AI weapons.’ In a pivotal meeting held in February, officials from both nations convened to address the ‘doctrinal guidelines and initiatives of Russia and China.’ As the celestial partnership unfolds, it marks a defining moment in the convergence of space exploration, scientific prowess, and international cooperation. The prospect of a nuclear power plant on the Moon adds a climactic dimension to humanity’s foray into the cosmos, promising advancements that transcend the limits of our earthly existence.
In a diplomatic stride, nations have forged a commitment to deepen their collaboration within the Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) of the States Parties to the Convention on Inhumane Weapons. This convention addresses Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS) and is endorsed by the United Nations as a policy governing weapons development.
The Russian Foreign Ministry, in a statement, underscored the convergence of Russian and Chinese perspectives on this critical issue. The meeting highlighted the imperative for sustained cooperation, emphasizing the need for both bilateral engagement and involvement in relevant multilateral platforms, notably within the GGE on LAWS.
Automation, Space Tugboats, and Cosmic Challenges
Adding to the cosmic narrative, Borisov shed light on a revolutionary concept—a space tugboat, a colossal structure endowed with a nuclear reactor and high-power turbines. This technological marvel is designed not only for transporting substantial payloads between orbits but also for addressing cosmic challenges such as collecting space debris.
In parallel, China, a key participant in these deliberations, expanded the scope of discussions. The topics now encompass ‘outer space security, biosecurity, and artificial intelligence’—themes indicative of the evolving challenges in our rapidly advancing technological landscape.
A revelation from China further adds a celestial dimension to these strategic discussions. The nation unveiled plans to establish an all-encompassing surveillance system on the moon, safeguarding a monumental lunar base envisioned to surpass the scale of Disneyland. Employing technology reminiscent of its domestic Skynet surveillance system—recognized as the world’s largest with over 600 million cameras—the ambitious lunar protection initiative aims to shield the planned lunar outpost against potential threats.
In the cradle of ancient wonders, an archaeological mission, a testament to the enduring curiosity of humanity, unearthed a monumental section of a colossal statue of King Ramses II in Egypt. This joint Egyptian-U.S. effort, a fusion of historical exploration and global cooperation, revealed the regal visage of Ramses, adorned with a double crown and a headdress crowned by a royal cobra. The limestone block, standing at a towering 3.8 meters, offers a tangible link to the grandeur of ancient civilizations.
Simultaneously, in the heart of Italy, the Fucino Space Centre emerges as a pivotal stage for humanity’s technological feats. Italy’s industry minister, Adolfo Urso, unveiled plans to designate the Fucino Space Centre as the nerve center for the IRIS² EU satellite constellation, underscoring its significance as one of the world’s largest space centers for civilian use. This expansion marks a bold step towards the cosmos, symbolizing Italy’s commitment to advancing space exploration.
Nuclear Power’s Enduring Legacy in Space Exploration
The collaboration between Moscow and Beijing reached a pinnacle in March 2021 with the signing of an agreement to establish an international lunar research station. This visionary initiative took concrete form in June 2021 when a comprehensive roadmap for construction was presented, symbolizing a shared commitment to unraveling the mysteries of the moon.
Simultaneously, China, with its burgeoning lunar exploration program, prepares to launch the unmanned “Chang’e-6” probe in May, geared towards the collection of invaluable rock samples. This pursuit of lunar knowledge aligns with the global efforts to deepen our understanding of the lunar surface.
Yet, against the backdrop of lunar aspirations, the Russian space program grapples with setbacks. Last year’s failure of the Luna-25 spacecraft marked a poignant moment in Russia’s lunar exploration, emphasizing the challenges that accompany endeavors beyond Earth.
The cosmic narrative extends to the prospect of nuclear reactors fueling future lunar colonies, a concept not limited to Russia and China but echoing through the corridors of NASA’s history. Following the iconic Apollo 11 mission in 1969, Apollo 12 astronauts harnessed a nuclear generator to power scientific experiments on the moon, foreshadowing the importance of innovative energy solutions.
As the exploration of the moon gains momentum, the limitations of relying solely on solar power during the 14 Earth-day lunar nights become evident. This energy dilemma heightens in significance as NASA, through its Artemis mission, propels humanity towards a return to the Moon, with the first landing scheduled for 2026. In a defining moment for space exploration, NASA’s collaboration with the US Department of Energy in 2022 signals a commitment to developing advanced nuclear power systems, poised to be ready for launch by the end of the decade.
