China has set its sights on becoming a prominent space power, with plans to land astronauts on the Moon by 2030. The upcoming Chang’e-8 mission is aimed at laying the foundation for the development of a permanent manned lunar base.
During a presentation in Shanghai, Chief Engineer Pei Zhaoyu of the 2028 mission showcased that the energy supply for the lunar base could also rely on extensive solar arrays, as well as infrastructure like pipelines and cables for heating and electricity on the Moon’s surface.
Last year, Russia’s space agency Roscosmos announced intentions to collaborate with the China National Space Administration to construct a nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2035 to power the ILRS.
The inclusion of the nuclear power unit in a presentation to ILRS officials from 17 countries and international organizations suggests China’s support for the initiative, although it has not been formally confirmed.
China’s plan to establish a base on the Moon’s south pole aligns with NASA’s ambitious Artemis program, which aims to return US astronauts to the lunar surface by December 2025.
Wu Weiren, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and chief designer of the Chinese Lunar Exploration Project, mentioned last year that a “basic model” of the ILRS, centered around the Moon’s south pole, is set to be completed by 2035.
The launches of the Chang’e lunar probes play a crucial role in the construction phase outlined by Wu for the “basic model.”
Looking ahead, China envisions the “555 Project,” which will involve inviting 50 countries, 500 international scientific research institutions, and 5000 overseas researchers to participate in the ILRS.
