- Russia has offered to help billionaire SpaceX CEO Elon Musk with his mission to Mars by providing him with a small nuclear power plant. Musk has said he plans to launch a spacecraft to Mars by the end of next year.
- The move comes as the Trump administration works to strengthen the U.S. relationship with Russia.
- Musk has previously said that he envisions human colonization of Mars in the not-too-distant future.
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Russia said it could help billionaire SpaceX CEO Elon Musk achieve his goal of flying a spacecraft to Mars with a little boost of nuclear energy.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s International Cooperation Envoy revealed on Thursday, March 27, that Moscow would like to assist Musk with a small nuclear plant for his mission to the red planet.
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How does it play into the bigger picture?
The offer comes as the Trump administration continues talks with Russia over strengthening their relationship. The relationship is currently strained due to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine and as U.S. sanctions over the war remain intact.
What has Musk recently said about Mars?
Musk announced on March 15, his Starship Rocket will be launched toward Mars by the end of 2026, despite test failures and as some astronomers cast doubt on his timeline.
Musk also said that humans could land on Mars as soon as 2029. However, he noted that “2031” is “more likely.” The SpaceX CEO added that he envisions a “self-sustaining city” on the planet in roughly two decades.
How could Moscow help?
The Kremlin reportedly believes it could attract foreign investors for Musk and contribute technology to Musk’s Mars efforts.
The proposed partnership comes as Russia and China both consider plans for a nuclear power plant on the Moon within the next decade. Something Beijing and Moscow say could lead to human lunar settlements in the future.
