Overview

• China and Russia are planning to build a nuclear power reactor on the Moon to supply energy for the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), which is set to be operational by 2035.
• Chinese officials have formally endorsed the inclusion of nuclear energy alongside solar arrays and surface cables as part of the station’s energy strategy.
• The Chang’e-8 mission in 2028 will lay the groundwork for the ILRS, with a crewed lunar landing targeted by 2030 as part of China’s roadmap to becoming a leading space power.
• The ILRS consortium includes 17 countries, with China’s 555 Project aiming to involve 50 nations and 5,000 researchers in lunar exploration efforts.
• Sino-Russian cooperation on the ILRS has deepened, with Russia leveraging its expertise in nuclear technology and China providing advanced lunar exploration capabilities.