China and Russia have agreed to build a nuclear-powered lunar base by 2036 at the Moon’s south pole. The International Lunar Research Station will support scientific research and resource exploration, marking a major step in their joint space efforts amid shifting global space priorities.
China and Russia have formalized an agreement to construct a nuclear-powered lunar base by 2036, marking a significant milestone in their collaborative space exploration efforts. The project, known as the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), aims to establish a permanent presence on the Moon's south pole, a region of strategic interest due to its potential water ice reserves and valuable resources like Helium-3.
The ILRS will feature a command center, communication hub, scientific research facilities, and a nuclear power station. The reactor, to be constructed autonomously using robotic technologies, will provide essential energy for operations. The groundwork will begin with China's Chang'e-8 mission in 2028, targeting its first crewed lunar landing, followed by several heavy rocket launches through 2035 to deliver base components.
This development comes amid US. uncertainties, with proposed NASA budget cuts threatening the Lunar Gateway project. Former NASA Administrator Bill Nelson has raised concerns about potential Chinese territorial claims on the Moon - claims China denies, stating the ILRS will support international scientific research. China has already invited 17 nations to participate in the ILRS, including Egypt, Venezuela, South Africa, and Pakistan.
The Moon's south pole attracts interest due to possible water ice and valuable resources like Helium-3, crucial for sustaining long-term human presence and energy generation. The ILRS is expected to support long-term, unmanned operations and lay the groundwork for sustained lunar habitation.
As the ILRS progresses, it signals the shifting dynamics in lunar exploration, with China and Russia positioning themselves as key players in the next era of space exploration.
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