Russia's Roscosmos and China's National Space Administration (CNSA) have commenced development on a nuclear power plant intended for a joint lunar base, Reuters reports.

This initiative represents a significant step forward in the countries' space exploration efforts to establish a sustainable human presence on the moon.

Roscosmos' Chief, Yuri Borisov, recently confirmed the project's initiation, highlighting the strategic partnership between the two nations. 

The plan involves deploying automated stations named "Smena-6," "Smena-7," and "Smena-8" to the lunar surface, serving as precursors for the establishment of a functional lunar base.

Borisov outlined an ambitious timeline in March, targeting installing the nuclear power plant on the moon's surface by 2033 to 2035. The first mission, slated for 2026, will lay the groundwork for subsequent endeavors, with the overarching project set for completion by 2028.

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