Nuclear To Power Russia's Space Pogram

Most people are aware that Russia's nuclear energy sector is one of the most technologically advanced branches of its  industrial base and is a world leader in developing and implementing nuclear technology not just in Russia but around the worlde.
It is poised to become a key asset in the country's space sector in the coming decades. This is the task set by the country's leadership. What form will nuclear space systems take, and what advantages will they provide?
On April 16, President Vladimir Putin visited Bauman Moscow State Technical University. The programme included a visit to the new building and communication with students. The main task was a meeting on the development of space nuclear energy, together with the leadership of Roscosmos and the National Research Centre "Kurchatov Institute".

The primary agenda item for the meeting is the discussion of the Space National project in relation to nuclear energy. In October 2023, the president emphasised the necessity to initiate a comprehensive, systemic national project in the domain of space activities. This is not a transient interest, but a deliberate strategy that has now reached a stage where implementation is feasible.

The recent personnel changes, including the appointment of the new head of Roscosmos, Dmitry Bakanov, may be part of an effort to revitalise the Russian space industry.
The precise details of the new national space project have not yet been disclosed. It is evident that the primary focus will be on the utilisation of nuclear energy in space. With a particular emphasis on deep space.

As Putin highlighted in his welcoming address, "domestic nuclear space energy is a significant topic." In the context of the national project, it is essential to ensure a qualitative advancement in its implementation. I am referring to the development of electric jet engines and other systems essential for autonomous operation on various space objects."

What are the implications of the president's statement? It is highly likely that the project will concentrate on developing infrastructure for the utilisation of nuclear energy in near and deep space. Russia is a world leader in the terrestrial use of nuclear energy and has exceptional competencies in this matter. Accordingly, the primary objective is to transfer them to space, thereby rendering nuclear energy convenient, safe and competitive.
We have become accustomed to relying on solar panels in Earth orbit, but the further out into space we go, the less efficient they become.

The most promising of the planets, Mars, is farther from the Sun and receives much less solar energy, about 60% of what reaches Earth. Solar panels on Earth can produce 0.175 kW per square metre of battery, but on Mars they can only produce 0.105 kW/m2. This is without taking into account the constant dust storms that greatly reduce their efficiency.

It is estimated that a Mars base would require approximately 90 kW per person, taking into account the necessity to cultivate plants and produce oxygen. This equates to a requirement of 1,080 kW for a mission involving 12 individuals. If this is attempted with solar panels, a field measuring over 20,000 square metres will be required, given the planet's illumination. A megawatt-class reactor is an option for this, as it is compact and convenient.

We would like to bring to your attention another problem on the Moon. Extended periods of continuous night significantly impede operational efficiency, necessitating substantial energy reserves for base heating and the operation of all devices on the surface. In this instance, solar panels are not a viable solution. It is not necessary to discuss the moons of Jupiter, as it is clear that any automatic station requires a constant and powerful source of energy.
Despite their complexities, reactors remain the only viable option for generating large amounts of power in space. As space demands escalate, nuclear reactors are poised to become increasingly advantageous due to their energy efficiency.

It is for this reason that the entire infrastructure of the "space atom" is required. This is not solely and not primarily the "nuclear tug", which is most frequently recalled in relation to space nuclear energy. These compact reactors are designed for utilisation in both orbital and planetary or satellite surface applications. These solutions have the potential to be beneficial not only for our organisation, but also for international projects, including orbital stations, relay stations, interplanetary flights, and the International Scientific Lunar Station, in which Russia is collaborating with China. The concept of the "nuclear tug" also necessitates a significant amount of infrastructure for operation, including communications, relay, maintenance, management and logistics.

What factors have led to this decision being perceived as logical? At this time, it is not possible to say with any certainty how space exploration will develop in the coming decades. What are the implications of this for the number of unmanned research stations for mining asteroids, and for flights to the Moon and Mars? It remains uncertain whether Elon Musk, who is contemplating a move between the Moon and Mars, will be able to make a decision. However, it is certain that safe, convenient and proven energy sources will be required in almost any of the development options. It is clear that nuclear space energy is indispensable in this case.

In general, when we talk about creating infrastructure as part of a larger project, this is always beneficial. In the future, nuclear energy has the potential to become a specialised field in space for Russia. If we consider the general concept, then the title "space nuclear scientist" is very appealing. The key to success here is to adhere to your strategy from start to finish.

The objective is to ensure that, following decades without Russian reactors, the initiation of a new space project is not even considered, and that this becomes the gold standard for future space exploration.

Is this a difficult task? Of course. Is it realistic? Yes, and Russia, with its competencies, has the best chance of mastering and taking over this niche. If we recall the history of the Soviet Buk reactors for the Legend global maritime space reconnaissance system, it does not contradict, but even confirms this thesis. When the Soviet Union required a robust energy source for a spacecraft designed for nocturnal operation, the only viable option was a nuclear reactor.

There are, of course, technical issues that need to be addressed – shielding, cooling, the possibility of recharging in space conditions, the creation of compact fuel assemblies and new coolant options. These issues must be addressed in the coming years, and this will require a significant number of trained specialists. It is therefore logical that the meeting was held at Baumanka, the centre of expertise for such personnel.

We recall the occasions when certain experts expressed disdain for the term "Russia is a space taxi". One must question the merits of such a viewpoint. Following the establishment of this niche by Musk, it was revealed that the concept of "Musk is a space taxi service" was already considered cool and modern. I believe that the term 'a stoker of a nuclear space locomotive' is also very effective.