Moscow
China and Russia have signed an agreement to build an nuclear power plant on the moon, which is expected to be completed by 2036. The plant will provide energy to the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), which is led by China and Russia jointly.
This announcement comes at a time when the US space agency NASA (NASA) has said to cancel the plan of a orbital station on the moon in its 2026 budget proposal. This step further strengthens the space ambitions of China and Russia, while the US Artemis program delayed and budget deduction is facing challenges.
Moon Nuclear Plant of China-Russia: A revolutionary step
China and Russia recently signed a consent letter, under which they will build a nuclear power plant to set up a permanent, man-controlled lunar base (Lunar base) on the southern pole of the moon. This plant will provide energy to Ilrs, designed for scientific research and long -term unmanned operations, including the possibility of human appearance in the future.
Construction process: According to Yuri Borisov, Director General of Russian Space Agency Rososmos, the plant will be constructed automatically “without human appearance”. Detailed information of how this will be technically possible is not yet clear, but Borisov claimed that the technical steps are “almost ready”.
Timeline: The construction of the plant will start between 2030 to 2035 and will be completed by 2036. The foundation stone of ILRS will be laid in 2028 with the Chang-E-8 mission of China, which will launch the Chinese astronauts on the moon for the first time.
International lunar research station (ILRS): a global project
ILRS is an ambitious project, which was first declared by China and Russia in June 2021. This station will be installed on the southern pole of the moon. It has included 17 countries, including Egypt, Pakistan, Venezuela, Thailand and South Africa.
Roadmap: The ILRS will be constructed from 2030 to 2035 through five super heavy-lift rocket launch. Subsequently, this station will be expanded by 2050, which will include two nodes on a orbital space station, the equator of the moon and its distant part.
Energy Source: The station will get energy from solar, radio isotopes and nuclear generators. In addition, there will also be high speed communication networks, lunar vehicles and manned rover on the moon-earth and lunar surface.
Objective: The goal of ILRS is to create a technical basis for scientific research, long -term unmanned operations, and human landing on Mars
China’s space ambitions
China’s space program has developed rapidly in the last decade. In 2013, China launched its first rover on the moon with the Chang-E-3 mission. Subsequently, he sent samples from the moon and the rover on the moon and Mars, collected samples from the near and distant parts of the moon and maps the lunar surface.
2030 target: China aims to put its astronauts on the moon by 2030 and become a global leader in space research.
2050 plan: There is a plan to convert ilars into a wide network by 2050, which will add different parts of the moon and provide the basis for Mars missions.
NASA Artemis Program: Facing challenges
Just after this announcement of China and Russia, NASA announced significant cuts for the Artemis program in its 2026 budget proposal. Artemis aims to bring American astronauts back to the moon after 50 years in 2027 through the Artemis III mission. However, the budget cut has put this program at risk.
Lunar Gateway cancellation: NASA plans to launch a orbital lunar station, Lunar Gateway by 2027. But the budget proposal of 2026 canceled this mission, as well as the space launch system and Orion programs were also talked about ending after Artemis III.
Budget deduction: NASA’s budget is proposed by 24% deduction, including a decrease of $ 500 million for the international space station.
Effect: These cuttings have weakened NASA’s lunar ambitions, which can lead to an edge in the space race to China and Russia.
China-Russia vs America: New twist in space race
This agreement between China and Russia indicates a new competition in space research. While NASA was planning to establish a permanent presence on the moon under the Artemis program, the budget cut and delay has slowed down its pace. On the other hand, the ILRS project of China and Russia is moving rapidly, including the support and clear roadmap of 17 countries.
China-Russia strength: Specialization in the nuclear power and space technology of both countries provides a strong base to IlRS. China’s Chang’a Mission and Russia’s automatic construction technology can give momentum to this project.
America’s challenges: NASA not only lacks budget, but also technical delays and political uncertainty. The 2027 deadline of Artemis III has already been postponed since 2026.
Global impact and future
China and Russia’s lunar nuclear plant is important from both scientists and strategic perspectives. This will not only make the long -term human presence possible on the Moon, but will also form the basis for Mars missions. The project reflects the growing strategic partnership between the two countries in areas such as the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea.
Scientific benefits: Ilrs will promote the study of the moon surface, resources and space environment.
Strategic effects: The project can provide global leadership to China and Russia in space, especially when the US is lagging behind in its plans.
Role of India: India, which is known for its Chandrayaan missions, can cooperate in programs such as ILRS or Artemis in the future, but has not yet joined the project.
