China and Russia are moving forward with a plan to construct a nuclear power plant on the Moon, aiming to supply energy to a permanent base near the lunar south pole by 2035.
The development is part of the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), a joint initiative between the two countries that has been in the works for several years.
Chang’E-8 Mission Sets the Stage for Lunar Energy Infrastructure
The upcoming Chang’e-8 mission, scheduled to launch in 2028, will play a critical role in preparing for the lunar base.
According to Pei Zhaoyu, chief engineer of the mission, the operation will not only test technology for future lunar habitation but also explore ways to generate energy on the Moon, reports Interesting Engineering.
Speaking during a presentation to representatives from 17 nations and international organizations involved in the ILRS, Pei confirmed that nuclear power is one of the energy sources currently under consideration.
Although Pei’s presentation mentioned multiple options, nuclear energy appears to be the leading candidate. The Moon’s extreme environment, including long nights and temperature fluctuations, requires a reliable and continuous power source, something nuclear energy is well-suited to provide.
The Chang’e-8 mission will lay the groundwork for determining whether this approach is technically and logistically feasible.
Russian Expertise Central to China’s Lunar Strategy
China is turning to Russia’s extensive experience in space-based nuclear technology to support the project.
Wu Weiren, chief designer of China’s lunar exploration program, emphasized that “Russia has a natural advantage” when it comes to nuclear systems for space.
He stated that Russia “leads the world” in this field and is “ahead of the United States,” particularly in deploying nuclear power stations beyond Earth.
In 2024, the Russian space agency Roscosmos revealed its goal of building a nuclear reactor on the Moon with China by 2035.
Although there has not been an official announcement from Beijing endorsing the plan, the inclusion of the concept in Pei’s public presentation suggests that the idea is being taken seriously at high levels.
Ilrs Timeline Aligns With Global Lunar Initiatives
The International Lunar Research Station is part of a broader lunar development strategy by China and Russia. The plan is to complete a basic model of the ILRS by 2035, centered around the lunar south pole.
This location is of particular interest due to its relatively stable temperature and the presence of water ice in permanently shadowed regions.
China’s timeline aligns closely with that of the NASA-led Artemis program, which also focuses on establishing a sustainable lunar base.
The Artemis mission aims to return humans to the Moon in 2027 and build a base that will be powered primarily by solar energy.
Large solar arrays will be deployed on the lunar surface and connected through pipelines and cables to distribute power throughout the station.
However, NASA is also exploring the potential of nuclear energy as a backup or complementary source.
Lunar Resources and International Collaboration
In addition to supporting human activity, the nuclear power plant would enable long-term scientific operations and possibly industrial applications on the Moon.
Among the Moon’s natural resources, helium-3 is especially noteworthy. According to Chinese scientist Ouyang Ziyuan, helium-3 could “solve humanity’s energy demand for around 10,000 years” if harnessed effectively for nuclear fusion.
China also announced a global outreach initiative called the “555 Project”, designed to expand international participation in the ILRS.
The project aims to involve 50 countries, 500 scientific institutions, and 5,000 overseas researchers, reflecting a vision for the ILRS as a collaborative platform for lunar exploration and research.
