With reference to the lunar nuclear reactors planned by NASA and Russia, consider the following statements: 1. The primary goal of these reactors is to power the mining of frozen water ice at the moon's south pole. 2. NASA plans to deploy a reactor with a capacity of 20 kilowatts. 3. Russia's Selena reactor is designed to produce 20 kilowatts of power. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

NASA, Russia and China race to deploy lunar nuclear reactors by 2030 and 2036

GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Nuclear & new energy technology· Prelims + Mains· 31 October 2026

Space technology and lunar mining: a GS3 case study on nuclear power for extraterrestrial resources.

Why in news

NASA, Russia, and China are competing to deploy lunar nuclear reactors by 2030 and 2036 to power lunar mining operations.

Background

The US plans a 20-kilowatt reactor weighing under 6,000kg. Russia's Selena reactor is designed to produce 10 kilowatts. These reactors are intended to power the mining of frozen water ice at the moon's south pole.

Facts for Prelims

S&TNASA's planned lunar reactor capacity: 20 kilowatts
FactNASA's planned lunar reactor weight: under 6,000kg
S&TRussia's Selena reactor capacity: 10 kilowatts
PlaceTarget location for lunar mining: moon's south pole

Prelims practice question

With reference to the lunar nuclear reactors planned by NASA and Russia, consider the following statements:

The primary goal of these reactors is to power the mining of frozen water ice at the moon's south pole.
NASA plans to deploy a reactor with a capacity of 20 kilowatts.
Russia's Selena reactor is designed to produce 20 kilowatts of power.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)2 only
(b)1 and 2 only
(c)1 and 3 only
(d)1, 2 and 3

Show answer

Answer: (b) 1 and 2 only — Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is incorrect: The Selena reactor is designed to produce 10 kilowatts.

For Mains

Q. Discuss the geopolitical and technological implications of the lunar space race, specifically regarding the deployment of nuclear power for extraterrestrial mining.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

Geopolitical friction: Competition for lunar south pole resources among major space powers
Technological leap: Transition from solar to nuclear power for sustained lunar habitation
Regulatory vacuum: Lack of international framework for nuclear material usage in space

Keywords: Space Geopolitics · Lunar Mining · Nuclear Propulsion · Extraterrestrial Resources · Space Race

Read the full news →Report a mistake in this note How notes are made Source: Al Jazeera ↗Also: GS2 · Policies of other countries affecting India

More Science & Technology notes

AI uncovers flaws like PHP2Shell as PHP powers 70 percent of websites · 31 October 2026
ISRO launches 2250 kg NVS-03 satellite to restore NavIC services in 18 minutes · 31 October 2026
The India Meteorological Department warned a low-pressure area may become a depression · 31 October 2026
Google Suncatcher prototype space data center online after SpaceX Falcon 9 launch · 30 October 2026
Bharat Forecast System improved fishing catches by two to four times, MoES Secretary says · 30 October 2026
Rafale Marine aircraft successfully lands on INS Vikrant during maiden trials · 30 October 2026

All Science & Technology current affairs →

Something wrong, or something missing?

Spotted a mistake in a note, or want a topic, format or PDF that would help your preparation? Write to us. We read every mail and fix errors fast.

Report a mistake →Ask for something →[email protected]

This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.