China and Russia Plan Nuclear Power Plant on Moon to Energize Ambitious Lunar Station

China and Russia have announced plans to construct a nuclear power plant on the Moon to support their joint International Lunar Research Station (ILRS).

This ambitious project aims to establish a permanent lunar base by 2035, with foundations being laid during China’s Chang’e-8 mission in 2028.

Key to this mission is addressing the challenge of energy supply. While large-scale solar arrays are an option, the plan includes the use of a nuclear reactor, leveraging Russia’s expertise in nuclear technology to ensure a consistent and sustainable power source for the ILRS.

Russia’s space agency, Roscosmos, and China’s National Space Administration envision this project as part of broader efforts to invite international collaboration, with the “555 Project” involving 50 countries, 500 institutions, and 5,000 researchers globally.

The ILRS initiative aligns with China’s aspirations to become a major space power by 2030, coinciding with NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return astronauts to the Moon by 2025. The ILRS also seeks to explore lunar resources, such as minerals and water, that could fuel future space missions.

This lunar partnership between China and Russia represents a significant leap forward in space exploration and international scientific collaboration, setting the stage for humanity’s sustained presence beyond Earth.