Retired astronaut Clayton Anderson told Newsmax Saturday that nuclear power is essential to living and working on the moon, calling it a critical step in the United States’ bid to beat China and Russia in the next space race.

Anderson told “Saturday Agenda” that solar panels alone will not provide enough energy for a permanent lunar base.

Reports indicate China and Russia are working to build a nuclear power station on the moon by 2035, while the U.S. aims to complete one by 2030.

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