China is considering building a nuclear plant on the moon

Posted: 25th April 2025

China is considering building a nuclear plant on the moon to power the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) it is planning with Russia, a presentation by a senior official showed on Wednesday. China aims to become a major space power and land astronauts on the moon by 2030, and its planned Chang’e-8 mission for 2028 would lay the groundwork for constructing a permanent, manned lunar base.

Reuters 23rd April 2025

https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/china-led-lunar-base-include-nuclear-power-plant-moons-surface-space-official-2025-04-23/ ;

China plans to build a nuclear power plant on the moon to fuel a research station it intends to open with Russia there, a senior official confirmed. No Chinese astronaut has ever set foot on the moon – but within 10 years China aims to have a permanent lunar base on its surface. From there the ‘International Lunar Research Station’ (ILRS), China hopes to launch manned missions to other planets.

Metro 24th April 2025

https://metro.co.uk/2025/04/24/china-plans-build-nuclear-plant-moon-power-base-shared-russia-22962883/ ;

Daily Mail 24th April 2025

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14641527/China-confirms-plans-build-nuclear-plant-MOON-power-research-station-dreaming-Russia.html ;

New Civil Engineer 24th April 2025

https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/great-british-nuclear-to-procure-for-smr-independent-assurance-providers-in-600m-contracts-23-04-2025/ ;