Imagine this: a nuclear reactor humming away on the Moon.
Science fiction? Not for long. China is exploring just that, as it eyes a bold new step in space exploration—building a permanent lunar base with Russia.
Their goal? Powering the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) with not just solar arrays, but possibly nuclear energy.
The idea gained real momentum this week.
Pei Zhaoyu, chief engineer of China’s Chang’e-8 mission (scheduled for 2028), casually mentioned a nuclear plant.
He dropped the detail during a presentation to an audience of global space officials.
Talk about dropping a moon-sized bombshell.
Why Nuclear?
“When it comes to space-based nuclear power, Russia leads the world,” said Wu Weiren, the mastermind behind China’s lunar program.
“They’re ahead of the U.S.” That’s confidence—and a subtle jab.
As NASA races toward its own lunar landing in 2025 under Artemis, China and Russia are making plans of their own.
The two countries are crafting a separate strategy for lunar exploration.
They’re planning to build a base at the Moon’s south pole by 2035 and have invited 50 countries to join the mission.
Moon bases, pipelines, reactors—it’s not just about exploration anymore.
