Russia proposed supplying a small nuclear power plant for SpaceX CEO Elon Musk’s Mars mission, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s envoy for international cooperation Kirill Dmitriev said. Dmitriev stated that Moscow was open to discussing the idea with Elon Musk via video conference.
This is the second time this month Dmitriev suggested potential cooperation with Musk. The proposal comes as Russia seeks to improve economic ties with Washington, despite ongoing US sanctions over the Ukraine war. The move follows efforts by US President Donald Trump to revive strained relations with Moscow.
Speaking at the Arctic Forum in Murmansk, Dmitriev emphasised that Russia could offer advanced nuclear technologies for a Mars mission. "We have small-sized nuclear power plants and other technological capabilities that could be useful," he said. He praised Musk as a "great visionary" and highlighted the potential for collaboration.
Recommended For You
Russia has also been exploring nuclear power for lunar settlements. In 2022, it announced plans to develop its own Mars mission after the European Space Agency (ESA) suspended a joint project due to the Ukraine war.
ALSO READ: Grok AI Is Now On Telegram: Elon Musk's Savage Chatbot Expands Its Reach
Elon Musk's Mars Mission
Musk, a close Trump associate, has expressed bold ambitions for Mars exploration. He recently announced that his Starship rocket could launch for Mars by the end of next year, despite setbacks in test flights and skepticism from some experts.
In a post on X, Musk predicted human landings on Mars as early as 2029, though he admitted that 2031 was more likely. His long-term goal is to establish a self-sustaining city on Mars within 20 years, which would require a reliable power source.
(With Reuters Inputs)