Russian President Vladimir Putin’s international cooperation envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, announced on Thursday that Russia could supply a small nuclear power plant for Elon Musk’s Mars mission.
This proposal marks the second time Dmitriev has spoken of potential cooperation with Musk this month.
Dmitriev suggested that Moscow could discuss the offer with Musk via video conference.
The proposal comes amid US President Donald Trump’s efforts to revive bilateral ties with Russia, which have been strained due to the conflict in Ukraine.
Musk, a close associate of Trump, plans to launch his Starship rocket to Mars by the end of next year.
In a Post on X, Musk said he anticipates human landings as early as 2029, with 2031 being a more likely timeline.
Musk’s ambitious plan to build a self-sustaining city on Mars within 20 years would require a reliable power source, making Russia’s nuclear power plant offer a potentially significant contribution.
Speaking in Murmansk on the sidelines of an Arctic Forum, Dmitriev, who is also head of a fund that works to attract foreign investors, said Russia could contribute a lot to a potential Mars mission.
“Russia can offer a small-sized nuclear power plant for a mission to Mars and other advanced technological capabilities.
“We believe that Russia has a lot to offer for a mission to Mars, because they have some nuclear technologies that I think could be applicable,” he said.