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Russia Could Supply Compact Nuclear Plant for Musk’s Mars Mission
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![Maryna_kulakova]( "Maryna Kulakova")
-924c3c302c27387e19f6c44aaeb98745.png "Maryna Kulakova")
Russia is prepared to supply a compact nuclear power plant for Elon Musk’s planned Mars mission, according to Kirill Dmitriev, the Russian leader’s envoy for international cooperation. Dmitriev made the statement on March 27, proposing the possibility of a video call with the SpaceX CEO to discuss potential collaboration, as reported by Reuters.
Musk stated earlier this month that SpaceX’s Starship could begin missions to Mars as early as late 2026. In a post on X, he suggested human landings could occur by 2029, though added that 2031 was a more realistic timeline. Musk has previously outlined ambitions to establish a self-sustaining city on Mars within two decades, a plan that would require a stable and durable power source.
Speaking during an Arctic Forum in Murmansk, Dmitriev—who also heads a state fund aimed at attracting foreign investment—highlighted Russia’s readiness to contribute.
“Russia can offer a small-sized nuclear power plant for a mission to Mars and other advanced technological capabilities,” Dmitriev told state news agency RIA. “We believe that Russia has a lot to offer for a mission to Mars, because we have some nuclear technologies that could be applicable.”
He described Musk as a “great visionary” and underscored the strategic value of cooperation.
This is the second time in March that Dmitriev has raised the prospect of joint space initiatives with Musk. He emphasized Russia’s advanced nuclear technology as a potential asset for interplanetary exploration.
Yuri Borisov, then head of Russia’s space agency Roscosmos, stated in 2023 that Russia and China were considering installing a nuclear power plant on the Moon between 2033 and 2035. Borisov said such infrastructure could eventually support permanent lunar settlements.
Earlier, it was announced that Russia’s latest fourth-generation nuclear-powered submarine, “Perm”, will be the first of its kind to be officially equipped with the Zircon hypersonic cruise missile, according to documents prepared for President Vladimir Putin’s visit to the Murmansk region, Russian media Interfax reported on March 27.
