China and Russia have signed a memorandum of cooperation to build a nuclear power plant on the Moon by 2035.
The goal of both countries is to provide energy for the future International Lunar Research Station (ILRS). Involving China, Russia, and several other partner countries, the ILRS is seen as a rival to NASA’s Artemis program.
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“The station will conduct fundamental space research and test technologies for long-term unmanned ILRS operations, with the prospect of human presence on the Moon,” said Roscosmos in a statement.
The ILRS project, announced in 2017, aims to establish a scientific research base on the Moon. The station would be located 100 km from the lunar south pole and enable long-term autonomous operations as well as short-term manned missions.
Last year, Wu Weiren, chief designer of China’s lunar exploration program, revealed that China plans to invite 50 more countries to join Project 555.
Through the ILRS, China seeks to take the lead in lunar exploration and scientific research on the Moon. In 2028, the first parts of the lunar base will be installed by the Chinese mission Chang’e-8.
As for the ILRS’s rival, construction of the orbital lunar space station of the Artemis program, called the Gateway, is expected to begin in 2027, according to NASA. The program includes the United States and more than 55 partner countries, with support from the European Space Agency (ESA).
This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
