On Thursday, Russia’s state space agency announced its intention to construct a nuclear power plant on the Moon, as part of its long-term goals for lunar exploration.

Dmitry Bakanov, the head of Roscosmos, shared these plans in a Telegram statement coinciding with Russia Day. He emphasized that the agency is “creating new reasons for national pride and laying the groundwork for economic development and improved quality of life.”

Bakanov also indicated that Russia aims to enhance its satellite network to boost internet connectivity and coverage, upgrade its global navigation system, and “progress with the construction of a new Russian orbital station to succeed the International Space Station.”

Additionally, he mentioned plans “to establish the first-ever nuclear power station on the Moon, which will be essential for future lunar bases.” He noted, “We will also explore Venus, as we are the only nation that has successfully landed a spacecraft on its surface.”

The Soviet Union’s Venera program was the first and remains the only mission to have landed a probe on Venus, achieving this milestone in 1970.

“There are ambitious objectives ahead,” he remarked. “We will need to undertake projects that demand courage, expansive thinking, and engineering prowess.”

Bakanov was appointed head of Roscosmos in February after President Vladimir Putin dismissed his predecessor, Yury Borisov, whose term was characterized by notable setbacks and stalled programs.

Last August, Russia’s first lunar lander since the Soviet era, Luna-25, crashed on the Moon during a pre-landing operation. This mission was heralded as a revival of Russia’s lunar aspirations following decades of limited space initiatives and increased isolation from Western nations.

The last time Russia successfully landed a spacecraft on the Moon was in 1976, after which the focus shifted to Venus exploration and the construction of the Mir space station.