China’s Moon Base at Lunar South Pole: A Look into Plans for 2035
China’s ambitious space exploration plans have taken a significant step forward with the unveiling of its concept for a lunar base at the lunar south pole. The China National Space Administration (CNSA) recently released a video outlining its vision for a moon base that is set to be developed over the next couple of decades. This groundbreaking project, known as the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), is a joint effort between China and Russia, aimed at establishing a permanent human presence on the moon.
Phase One: Building the Foundation
The initial roadmap for the ILRS was revealed in June 2021, with plans to construct a basic robotic moon base through a series of five super heavy-lift rocket launches scheduled from 2030 to 2035. The focus of this phase is to establish a foundation for future development and exploration on the lunar surface. As China takes the lead in the project, more advanced plans for the ILRS were unveiled at the second International Deep Space Exploration Conference in Anhui, China on September 5.
Phase Two: Expanding the Vision
The next phase of the ILRS project will see the construction of an extended model of the lunar base, with completion expected around 2050. According to Wu Yanhua, chief designer of the Chinese deep space exploration project, the extended model will consist of a comprehensive lunar station network that utilizes the lunar orbit station as its central hub and the south pole station as its primary base. Exploration nodes on the lunar equator and the far side of the moon will also be included in this network.
Key Features of the ILRS
The ILRS will be powered by a combination of solar, radioisotope, and nuclear generators, ensuring a stable and reliable source of energy for the base. In addition, the infrastructure will include moon-Earth and high-speed lunar surface communication networks, as well as a variety of lunar vehicles such as a hopper, an unmanned long-range vehicle, and pressurized and unpressurized crewed rovers. These vehicles will enable astronauts to explore the lunar surface and conduct scientific research.
Preparing for Mars
In a bold move, Wu Yanhua stated that the extended ILRS model will serve as a stepping stone for future crewed landings on Mars. By establishing a sustainable presence on the moon, China aims to develop the necessary technology and expertise to eventually send astronauts to the red planet. This ambitious goal underscores China’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of space exploration and expanding humanity’s presence beyond Earth.
Global Partnerships and Collaborations
China has been actively seeking partnerships for the ILRS project, with Senegal becoming the 13th country to sign up during the recent conference. This growing international collaboration underscores the importance of cooperation in advancing space exploration and research. Meanwhile, NASA is leading its own program, Artemis, which aims to return astronauts to the moon. Both China and NASA have set ambitious timelines for putting humans back on the lunar surface before the end of the decade, signaling a new era of human space exploration.
Looking Ahead
As China’s space program continues to gain momentum, the development of a lunar base at the south pole represents a significant milestone in the country’s quest to explore the cosmos. With plans to establish a permanent presence on the moon and pave the way for future missions to Mars, China is at the forefront of a new era of space exploration. The ILRS project serves as a testament to human ingenuity and determination, as we set our sights on the stars and beyond.