China, together with Russia, is developing a project to build a lunar nuclear power plant for the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS). This was reported by Reuters, citing Pei Zhaoyu, chief engineer of the Chinese Chang'e-8 lunar mission.
The launch of the Chang'e-8 mission is scheduled for 2028 using the Long March 5 launch vehicle. This mission should lay the foundation for the construction of a habitable base at the Moon's South Pole.
The first stage involves launching a landing module, a lunar rover, and a robot to explore the Moon's resources and terrain. By 2030, China intends to land two astronauts on the Moon using the Mengzhou and Lanyue spacecraft.
In addition to building a nuclear power plant, Beijing and Moscow's lunar plans include creating large solar panels that will provide power to the base.
Last year, Roscosmos announced its intention to create a nuclear reactor together with the China National Space Administration (CNSA) by 2035.
The United States also has its own lunar exploration program. According to the NASA Artemis program, American astronauts will return to the Moon by 2025, and in the long term, the United States aims to create a permanent base on Earth's satellite.
Russia has also created a concept project for a nuclear power plant on the Moon. Specialists from NIU MGSU proposed building the station on the surface of Earth's satellite in the near-polar Peary crater.
We took into account how nuclear power plants will be located, how to ensure their safe operation throughout the station's lifespan, as well as the possible reuse of already erected building structures. We also took into account the natural and climatic conditions of the Moon and the architectural and construction aspects, from what materials and structures a protective structure of the station can be made.
Reactor units with a capacity of 10 kW each are proposed to be placed in the center of the lunar nuclear power plant. To protect the station from external influences, specialists created a round shaft from local lunar soil, as well as a Kevlar screen.
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