According to information from Roscosmos CEO Yuri Borisov, the development of a nuclear power plant for the joint Russian-Chinese lunar station project has begun.
At the end of April, the director general of Roscosmos stated the need to create a compact, reliable, and long-term source of nuclear power on the Moon. He pointed to a problem with the length of the lunar night, which is about 14 Earth days, making solar panels an insufficient energy source to keep the equipment running for such a long period of time.
Borisov told RIA Novosti that Russia and China plan to deliver and install a nuclear power plant on the lunar surface between 2033 and 2035.
The creation of the International Scientific Lunar Station is expected to be realized in two stages from 2025 to 2035. It will consist of several modules and provide for the possibility of long-term unmanned operation with the continued presence of humans.
The project also includes the creation of a set of experimental and research facilities on the lunar surface and in orbit for multi-purpose scientific research, including the study and use of the Earth's satellite, lunar observations and fundamental research experiments.
Borisov also said that he trusts Musk's opinion that it is possible to find traces of aliens on Mars.
Before that, SpaceX's website posted information about reservations for flights to orbit the Earth, the International Space Station, the Moon and even Mars.