China has set its sights on establishing a permanent base at the Moon’s south pole by 2035. This ambitious project will include a nuclear power plant and aims to pave the way for further space exploration. Despite initial partnerships with Russia, China is now leading the effort largely on its own.
By Joseph Gutierrez
Independent Effort After Russia’s Withdrawal
In 2021, China and Russia announced plans to build a joint lunar station, but ongoing conflicts have disrupted Russia’s involvement. Due to its war in Ukraine, Russia can no longer fully participate in the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS). As a result, China has declared that it will proceed with the project largely independently. According to Xinhua, China plans to launch five heavy-lift rockets between 2030 and 2035 to deliver the materials needed for a robotic moon base.
Phased Approach to Lunar Development
The project will unfold in two phases. The first, expected to be completed by 2035, involves constructing a base near the Moon’s South Pole. Wu Yanhua, chief architect of China’s deep space exploration project, explained that this initial phase will focus on establishing a robotic outpost. Between 2045 and 2050, the second phase will connect the lunar South Pole with the equator and the far side of the Moon through a network of robotic systems. The base will support both robotic missions and short-term human visits.
Collaboration with Russia on Nuclear Power
Though Russia’s role has been scaled back, it remains a key partner in developing nuclear energy for the Moon base. China plans to build a nuclear power plant on the Moon, utilizing Russian expertise in nuclear technology. The ILRS will be powered by a combination of solar energy and radioisotope power generators, ensuring that the base operates efficiently. The project will also create a high-speed communications network between the Earth and the Moon.
International Participation and Future Partnerships
So far, 13 countries have joined the project, including China, Russia, Venezuela, Pakistan, and South Africa. During a recent space exploration conference, Wu Yanhua expressed hopes of expanding the partnership to around 50 nations. China is actively seeking more international collaborators to contribute to this groundbreaking lunar effort.
China’s ambitious plans for a lunar base demonstrate the country’s commitment to becoming a leader in space exploration.
Based on content from www.forschung-und-wissen.de and additional research.