China Plans Nuclear Power Station on Moon to Fuel Joint Lunar Base with Russia

China is investigating the feasibility of building a nuclear power facility on the lunar surface to meet the energy demands of the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), according to The Independent. This potential lunar nuclear station was outlined in a briefing held on April 23, 2025, by Pei Zhaoyu, the lead engineer for the upcoming Chang’e-8 mission scheduled for 2028. This mission is a key component of China’s expansive lunar ambitions, aiming to establish a permanent base on the Moon by 2030, centered around the ILRS.

China and Russia Join Forces for Lunar Development

The Chang’e-8 mission serves as a vital precursor to the development of the ILRS, a joint venture pursued by both China and Russia. Together, these nations are working towards deploying a nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2035, which is expected to provide a stable and reliable power supply essential for the lunar habitat. Pei Zhaoyu's presentation also explored alternative energy solutions for the ILRS, such as solar panels and thermal conduits, though nuclear energy remains a pivotal option considering the Moon’s challenging conditions.

This Sino-Russian partnership aims to establish a self-reliant lunar base that will support astronaut activities and facilitate extended lunar exploration. Their timeline intersects with NASA’s Artemis program, which intends to send astronauts back to the Moon by December 2025. This global competition underscores the escalating international focus on deep space initiatives.

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China’s Vision for Lunar Presence and Exploration

China’s forward-looking agenda includes building a lunar settlement near the Moon’s south pole by 2035, a region prized for its potential reserves of water ice and significance for scientific investigations. The series of Chang’e lunar missions are critical to laying the foundation for the ILRS, which plans to incorporate contributions from 50 nations and engage 5,000 international scientists through the collaborative “555 Project,” broadening the scope and impact of moon research.

Wu Weiren, a prominent leader in China’s space exploration efforts, confirmed the target to have the ILRS’s initial framework operational by 2035, with the south pole serving as the primary site for activities and exploration. The Chinese Lunar Exploration Project seeks to foster international partnerships in space science while advancing China’s long-term extraterrestrial ambitions.