As global interest in lunar exploration intensifies, China is drawing an ambitious path to the moon. This involves the construction of a nuclear reactor on the surface of the moon.
This bold initiative is part of a joint effort with Russia to develop the International Moonlight Research Institute (ILRS), a long-term scientific prepost base near the moon’s Antarctica.
Designed to operate autonomously and support a wide range of experiments, ILRs can redefine international collaboration in space, and lunar-based reactors could be key to strengthening it all.
According to a recent presentation by Pei Zhaoyu, chief engineer of China’s 2028 Chang’e-8 mission, ILRS’ energy infrastructure will be combined with a large solar array and nuclear reactors located on the surface of the moon.
Nuclear reactors are expected to ensure reliable, long-term power generation in difficult moon environments, especially on two weeks of lunar nights.
How ILR explores and uses the moon
The ILR is envisioned as a scalable, autonomous lunar base supporting a wide range of scientific and technical missions.
Located near the Antarctic of the Moon in an area that appears to contain water ice, the station promotes research into lunar geology, astrophysics, resource extraction and lunar-based earth observations.
Construction will take place in stages. The “basic model” of the station is expected to be completed by 2035, with a larger version targeted at 2050.
ILRS is also positioned as a platform for future deep space missions, promoting a wide range of international collaboration. China’s 555 Project aims to attract 50 countries, 500 scientific institutions and 5,000 researchers.
Chang’e-8: Lunar Living Testing Technology
The Chang’e-8 mission, scheduled for release in 2028, will play a pivotal role in preparing for the ILR. Missions include multifunctional robotic units for testing technologies such as Lander, Rover, and in-situ resource utilization (ISRU).
The experiment focuses on converting lunar soil into building materials and supports sustainable lunar construction using potential 3D printing technology.
The spacecraft also has an international scientific payload of around 200kg, strengthening China’s commitment to global partnerships in space.
New chapters of the moon’s competition
China’s lunar ambitions will run in parallel with NASA’s Artemis program, which plans to bring astronauts back to the moon by December 2025.
While the US aims to establish a sustainable human existence, China and Russia’s ILRS represent competing visions powered by the lunar reactors.
As space competes to build infrastructure across the globe, the moon is becoming increasingly rapid to the next frontier of its geopolitical and scientific rivals.
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