China accelerates moon base plans, eyes 2028 foundations
China plans to build a permanent base on the Moon, with the first foundations set to be laid in 2028. The base will be powered by energy from a nuclear power plant, which is also planned to be constructed on the "silver globe."
Although it may seem incredible, China aims to surpass the USA in the space race within a few years. Beijing plans to build both a nuclear power plant and a permanent base on the Moon.
During a presentation in Shanghai for foreign governments and international organizations, scientists unveiled the most detailed plans yet for the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), to be developed in collaboration with Russia.
China wants a base on the Moon. When will it be built?
According to ladbible.com, the permanently staffed base is expected to be operational by 2035. China plans to send astronauts to the Moon within the next five years. The first foundations for the base are to be established as early as 2028. Additionally, the construction of a nuclear power plant on the Moon is being considered to power the Chinese-Russian station.
Pei Zhaoyu, the mission's chief engineer, stated during the presentation that the base's energy resources will also be generated from solar panels. Moreover, the Russian space agency Roscosmos supports the idea of constructing a nuclear power plant on the Moon. They announced plans to build a nuclear reactor on the surface by 2035 in partnership with the China National Space Administration (CNSA). Beijing is confident that Russia possesses the advanced technology needed to construct a power station on our nearest celestial neighbour.
Chinese-American rivalry in space
It is hard not to notice that the race to "conquer" space is part of the ongoing geopolitical rivalry between China and the USA. For years, there has been discussion about the potential to build mining operations on the Moon's surface.
Meanwhile, Americans are planning a landing on Mars, following their historic 1969 lunar landing. This mission is expected to be possible in the late 21st century, specifically between the 2030s and 2040s.
