China Plans to Build Moon Base at the Lunar South Pole by 2035

China is embarking on an ambitious venture to establish a moon base, strategically positioned near the lunar south pole, with plans set to unfold in two distinct phases. This initiative marks a significant step in space exploration as it seeks to create a network of nodes both on the lunar surface and in orbit.

The International Lunar Research Station (ILRS)

The framework for this project, known as the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), was initially introduced in June 2021. Jointly developed with Russia, the plan included launching five super heavy-lift rockets between 2030 and 2035 to establish a basic, robotic infrastructure on the moon. However, recent developments indicate that China has assumed leadership over the ILRS and disclosed more intricate plans during the second International Deep Space Exploration Conference held in Anhui, China, on September 5.

Timeline and Phases

The projected timeline reveals that the first phase of the moon base will reach completion around 2035. This phase primarily focuses on establishing a foundational facility near the lunar south pole. Following this initial setup, plans for an extended model are slated for around 2050.

According to Wu Yanhua, the chief designer overseeing China's deep space exploration projects, the extended version of the ILRS will act as a comprehensive network featuring not only the south pole station as its primary base but also exploration nodes situated along the lunar equator and the far side of the moon.

Infrastructure and Technology

The operational framework of the ILRS will leverage a combination of solar, radioisotope, and nuclear power sources. This multi-faceted energy approach aims to ensure sustainable operations on the lunar surface. In addition, the infrastructure will include high-speed communication networks between the Earth and the moon.

Notably, various lunar vehicles are also part of the blueprint:

• A hopper for short-distance travel

• An unmanned long-range vehicle

• Both pressurized and unpressurized rovers designed for crewed missions

Wu emphasized the importance of the extended ILRS model, indicating its potential to pave the way for future human landings on Mars. This underlines China's commitment to not only lunar exploration but also setting the stage for interplanetary missions.

International Collaboration and Competing Programs

During the conference, China has been actively securing international partnerships for the ILRS. Senegal recently joined as the 13th country to participate in this collaborative effort, reinforcing China's strategy of fostering global partnerships in space exploration.

Meanwhile, NASA continues to lead its Artemis program, which operates independently yet aims for similar objectives—sending astronauts back to the moon before the decade concludes.

Both programs underscore an escalating interest in lunar exploration, with major players preparing for a renewed presence on the moon. As competition heightens, the race to achieve key milestones in human space exploration intensifies, prompting nations to innovate and collaborate in unprecedented ways.

Future Prospects

The development of a moon base at the lunar south pole represents a pivotal moment in humanity's quest to explore space. With advancements in technology and international cooperation, this initiative not only illustrates China's aspirations but also reflects the growing significance of space exploration on a global scale.

As these plans materialize, scholars, engineers, and space enthusiasts alike will be closely monitoring progress and developments. The successful establishment of the ILRS could serve as a critical stepping stone for further explorations beyond our planet, affirming the notion that efforts toward understanding celestial bodies are becoming increasingly feasible and ambitious. As these plans materialize, scholars, engineers, and space enthusiasts alike will be closely monitoring progress and developments. The successful establishment of the ILRS could serve as a critical stepping stone for further explorations beyond our planet, affirming the notion that efforts toward understanding celestial bodies are becoming increasingly feasible and ambitious.