China’s ambitious plans for a moon base at the lunar south pole by 2035 have gained significant attention in the space exploration community. The China National Space Administration (CNSA) recently released a video outlining their concept for the construction of a lunar base over the next couple of decades, showcasing their vision for the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS).
Phase One: Building the Foundation
The initial roadmap for the ILRS, jointly led by China and Russia, was unveiled in June 2021, with plans to establish a basic, robotic moon base through five super heavy-lift rocket launches from 2030 to 2035. This first phase will lay the groundwork for the development of a series of nodes on the lunar surface and in orbit, setting the stage for more advanced exploration missions.
Phase Two: Advancing the Lunar Station Network
China has now taken the lead in the project and revealed more detailed, two-phase plans for the ILRS at the International Deep Space Exploration Conference in Anhui province. The first phase is expected to be completed by 2035 near the lunar south pole, with an extended model to be built by around 2050. This extended model will encompass a comprehensive lunar station network, utilizing the lunar orbit station as its central hub and the south pole station as its primary base.
Key Features of the Extended Model
According to Wu Yanhua, chief designer of the Chinese deep space exploration project, the extended ILRS model will include exploration nodes on the lunar equator and the far side of the moon. The station will be powered by a combination of solar, radioisotope, and nuclear generators, ensuring a sustainable source of energy for ongoing operations. Infrastructure such as moon-Earth and high-speed lunar surface communication networks will enhance connectivity and data transmission, enabling efficient coordination of lunar missions.
Technological Advancements and Lunar Vehicles
The extended ILRS model will feature advanced lunar vehicles, including a hopper, an unmanned long-range vehicle, and pressurized and unpressurized crewed rovers. These vehicles will enable scientific exploration, resource prospecting, and potential human habitation on the lunar surface, paving the way for long-term sustainable presence on the moon.
International Collaboration and Future Missions
China has been actively seeking partners for the ILRS project, with Senegal becoming the 13th country to sign up during the recent conference. Collaboration with other nations will enhance the scientific capabilities and technological expertise of the lunar station network, fostering a spirit of global cooperation in space exploration. Notably, Wu Yanhua mentioned that the extended ILRS model will serve as a stepping stone for future crewed missions to Mars, highlighting China’s long-term vision for deep space exploration.
Parallel Programs and Competition
While China is leading the ILRS project, NASA is spearheading the Artemis program, a parallel but separate initiative to return astronauts to the moon. Both China and NASA have set ambitious goals to put humans back on the lunar surface before the end of the decade, marking a new era of lunar exploration and scientific discovery. The competition between these two space agencies is driving innovation and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in space exploration.
Overall, China’s moon base construction plan at the lunar south pole by 2035 represents a significant milestone in the country’s space exploration endeavors. With a clear roadmap and advanced technological capabilities, China is poised to establish a sustainable presence on the moon and pave the way for future missions to Mars and beyond. The collaborative nature of the ILRS project underscores the importance of international cooperation in advancing humanity’s understanding of the cosmos and unlocking the mysteries of the universe.
