New lunar race begins: US, China plan nuclear reactors on Moon
A new phase in the global space race is taking shape, with both the United States and China announcing plans to build nuclear reactors on the Moon to support long-term human presence.
According to an article in The Conversation by Michelle L.D. Hanlon, professor of air and space law at the University of Mississippi, China has revealed plans to construct a lunar nuclear reactor by 2035 as part of its international research station project. U.S. officials, meanwhile, have indicated that a similar reactor could be operational by 2030.
NASA, along with the U.S. Department of Energy, has been working on small nuclear power systems for several years. These systems are designed to provide uninterrupted energy for lunar habitats, research stations, and potential mining operations. The move is seen as a strategic effort to establish a stronger presence on the Moon rather than a race to develop space-based weapons.
Historically, both the United States and the Soviet Union relied on radioisotope generators to power satellites, deep-space probes, and Mars rovers. This was done under the framework of United Nations guidelines adopted in 1992 to regulate the safe use of nuclear power in outer space.
International law does not prevent countries from deploying nuclear reactors on the Moon, provided they are used safely. The 1967 Outer Space Treaty, signed by major spacefaring nations, requires that space activities be conducted with respect for the interests of all countries. A reactor on the Moon, however, could influence how and where other nations operate nearby.
Experts say that locating reactors in resource-rich areas such as ice-filled craters at the lunar South Pole could give countries a significant advantage in securing water and other essential resources for long-term missions. Nuclear systems would also provide a reliable power supply in areas that receive little or no sunlight, where solar energy is insufficient. This would be critical for running habitats, life-support systems, and scientific equipment.
Officials from both countries have stressed that deploying nuclear reactors on the Moon is not a territorial claim, but rather the creation of essential infrastructure to support research and sustained human presence.
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Man arrested for for raping mute woman in Jamshedpur
Jamshedpur (PTI): One person was arrested on the charge of raping a 30-year-old woman with speech impairment in Jamshedpur, a police officer said on Tuesday.
The incident occurred in the Azadnagar police station area of the city, and a case in this regard was registered based on the statement of the victim's brother on Monday.
The victim had gone to fetch water from the premises of a company on Monday evening. When she did not return even after a considerable time, family members went out in search of her and caught the accused red-handed, police said.
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The accused was a caretaker of the company.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (Patamda) Bachandeo Kujjur said due to scarcity of water in the area, the victim used to fetch water from the premises of the company.
