Russia's Energia space corporation said on Tuesday it is planning to start working on standardized space modules with nuclear-powered propulsion systems next year.
Energia director Vitaly Lopota said the first launches with a capacity of 150 to 500 KW could be made some time in 2020.
Federal Space Agency Roscosmos director Anatoly Perminov previously said the development of Megawatt-class nuclear space power systems (MCNSPS) for manned spacecraft was crucial if Russia wanted to maintain a competitive edge in the space race, including the exploration of the moon and Mars.
The project will require an estimated 17 billion rubles (over $580 million) in funding.
Energia earlier said it is also ready to design a space-based nuclear power station with a service life of 10-15 years, to be initially placed on the moon or Mars.
It is also working on a concept of a nuclear-powered space tug, which could more than halve satellite launching and orbiting costs.
KOROLYOV (Moscow region), November 23 (RIA Novosti)
