The United States, China and Russia are racing to develop nuclear reactors for the Moon as they prepare for future space exploration. The countries believe nuclear power will be important for building permanent lunar bases, exploring resources and supporting missions deeper into space, The New York Times reported.

Axar.az reports, citing NDTW World, that according to the newspaper, NASA in August asked contractors to prepare a nuclear reactor that can survive a space journey and operate without maintenance near the Moon's south pole. The agency aims to have the reactor ready for launch by December 2030.

Russia, meanwhile, plans to develop a lunar reactor called Selena by 2036 as part of its secretive partnership with China. The project is intended to provide power to lunar stations led by China.

A permanent base on the Moon would need a reliable source of electricity. Solar panels can provide power during daylight, but lunar nights last more than two weeks on Earth's calendar, making solar energy alone difficult to rely on.

Nuclear reactors can operate without sunlight and may be able to supply power for extended periods with limited human intervention. In the early stages, the US and China plan to use solar power and radioisotope systems to keep equipment warm and charge lunar vehicles. However, a larger base would require more electricity.

According to the report, NASA's proposed Lunar Reactor 1 is expected to generate 20 kilowatts of electricity and operate for five years without intervention. Russia's Selena reactor is designed to generate up to 10 kilowatts and run autonomously for a decade.

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