Preliminary plans for the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), led by China and Russia, include the development of a nuclear reactor on the moon’s surface, according to a presentation by Pei Zhaoyu, chief engineer for China’s Chang’e-8 mission, delivered on Wednesday. The energy supply for the lunar base may also rely on large-scale solar arrays constructed on the lunar surface.

The Chang’e-8 mission, scheduled for 2028, is designed to establish the foundation for a permanent human presence on the moon. China aims to achieve a lunar landing for its astronauts by 2030, positioning itself as a leading space exploration nation.

Wu Weiren, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and chief designer of the Chinese Lunar Exploration Project, stated last year: “A basic model of the ILRS, with the South Pole of the Moon as its core, would be built by 2035.” The Chang’e lunar probe missions, including Chang’e-8, are critical steps in constructing this initial framework for the ILRS.

The ILRS is planned for the moon’s south pole, a region of scientific interest due to its unique environmental conditions. The nuclear reactor and solar arrays will provide a reliable energy supply to support the station’s operations, enabling long-term research and exploration activities.

China’s lunar ambitions align with its broader goal of advancing space exploration through international collaboration. Wu outlined the “555 Project,” which aims to involve 50 countries, 500 international scientific research institutions, and 5,000 overseas researchers in the ILRS initiative. This project seeks to foster global cooperation in lunar research and development.

The Chang’e-8 mission will contribute to the groundwork for the ILRS by testing technologies and infrastructure needed for a sustainable lunar base. The inclusion of a nuclear reactor highlights the focus on innovative energy solutions to power the station, while solar arrays offer a complementary approach to harness lunar sunlight.

The ILRS represents a significant step in China’s space exploration strategy, building on the success of previous Chang’e missions. By developing a lunar research station, China aims to facilitate scientific discoveries and support international efforts to explore the moon’s resources and environment.

The collaboration with Russia and the planned involvement of global partners reflect a commitment to shared progress in space exploration. The ILRS is expected to serve as a hub for scientific research, advancing humanity’s understanding of the moon and its potential for future exploration.

by Reuters