Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Al Mayadeen correspondent: An Israeli drone strike targeted the town of Al-Qlailah, Southern Lebanon.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent in South Lebanon: Israeli drone strikes town of Harouf, Nabatieh district.
Factions' statement: The attendees agreed to support and continue implementing the ceasefire agreement measures, including the withdrawal of the occupation and lifting the siege.
Factions' statement: Calling for an end to all forms of torture and violations against prisoners in occupation prisons and the necessity of obligating the occupation to do so.
Statement: The current moment is crucial, making the meeting a true turning point toward national unity in defense of our people and their right to life, dignity, and freedom.
Factions' statement: Call for an urgent meeting of all Palestinian forces and factions to agree on a national strategy.
Factions' statement: Continuing joint work to unify visions and positions to confront the challenges facing the Palestinian cause.
Statement of the factions: Emphasis on the unity of the Palestinian political system and the independent national decision.
Statement: Approval to establish an international committee to oversee the financing and implementation of the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.
Statement: The committee is responsible for managing life and services in cooperation with Arab brothers and international institutions, based on transparency and accountability.

China mulls lunar nuclear power plant for Moon base energy

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Agencies
  • 23 Apr 2025 15:42
3 Min Read

China is planning a nuclear power plant on the Moon to supply energy to the International Lunar Research Station, a project in collaboration with Russia.

Listen
  • x
  • China mulls lunar nuclear power plant for Moon base energyA Long March rocket with a Shenzhou-19 spacecraft atop takes off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Jiuquan, northwestern China in the early hours of Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024 (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

China is considering building a nuclear power plant on the Moon to support the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), a joint project with Russia, Reuters reported Wednesday, citing a recent presentation by a senior Chinese space official.

As part of its ambition to become a major space power, China plans to land astronauts on the Moon by 2030. The ILRS, being developed in collaboration with Russia, aims to establish a long-term human presence on the lunar surface.

The concept of China lunar nuclear power emerged as a potential energy source to ensure stable and sufficient power for the station.

Chang’e-8 mission and lunar base construction

China's Chang’e-8 mission, scheduled for launch later this decade, is a key step in preparing for the construction of a permanent manned lunar base.

During a presentation in Shanghai, Pei Zhaoyu, the chief engineer for the 2028 mission, highlighted that the base’s energy supply could rely on a combination of large-scale solar arrays and a Moon nuclear reactor.

Related News

Trump sets conditions for Putin meeting, eyes China and Gaza talks

Ukraine to receive 150 Swedish Gripen fighter jets starting 2026

Additionally, pipelines and cables would be constructed on the lunar surface to deliver heat and electricity.

Russia’s space agency Roscosmos previously announced plans to develop a nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2035, in partnership with the China National Space Administration.

The inclusion of this nuclear power option in a Chinese space official’s presentation to ILRS partner nations indicates that China supports the concept, although no formal announcement has been made yet.

China-Russia cooperation in space exploration

This development is a significant element of the China-Russia space cooperation, as both countries seek to advance their positions in the global space race.

The ILRS is positioned as a rival to NASA’s Artemis programme, which aims to return US astronauts to the Moon by December 2025.

Wu Weiren, chief designer of the Chinese Lunar Exploration Project, stated that a basic version of the ILRS will be operational by 2035, centered around the Moon's south pole. The Chang’e lunar probes will play a crucial role in building this foundation.

Looking ahead, China plans to launch the “555 Project”, inviting 50 countries, 500 international scientific research institutions, and 5,000 overseas researchers to participate in the ILRS. This initiative underscores China’s intent to lead international efforts in space exploration and establish a lasting presence on the Moon.

Read more: Saturn claims 'moon king' title with 128 new moons, discovery shows

  • Russia
  • Moon
  • Moon exploration
  • China

Most Read

From previous scenes of the Qassam Brigades targeting an Israeli D9 bulldozer with a Yassin 105 shell, east of Deir al-Balah. (Military Media of the Qassam Brigades)

US knew fatal Rafah blast cause was not Hamas op., says journalist

  • Politics
  • 20 Oct 2025
'Israel’s Digital Iron Dome: Weaponizing the web against Palestine

'Israel’s Digital Iron Dome: Weaponizing the web against Palestine

  • Technology
  • 24 Oct 2025
Abu Hamza, the spokesperson for the Al-Quds Brigades, during a speech televised on October 22, 2025 (Al-Quds Brigades Military Media)

Al-Quds Brigades' Abu Hamza mourns leaders, vows continued resistance

  • Politics
  • 22 Oct 2025
US missionary kidnapped in Niger capital, suspected taken toward Mali

US missionary kidnapped in Niger capital, suspected taken toward Mali

  • Africa
  • 23 Oct 2025

Coverage

All
War on Gaza

Read Next

All
Undated photo of Hanwha Ocean’s Goeje Shipyard in South Korea (Hanwha Ocean)
Politics

China counters US maritime bloc with sanctions on Hanwha Ocean

Catherine Connolly speaks after being after being elected as the new President of Ireland at Dublin Castle, Ireland, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025. (AP)
Politics

Connolly wins Irish presidency in blow to political establishment

Buildings destroyed during the Israeli air and ground offensive are seen in the Al-Shati camp, in Gaza City, Friday, Oct. 24, 2025. (AP)
Politics

'Israel's' post-ceasefire demolitions in Gaza violate agreement: Hamas

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi attends the 17th annual BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 7, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Iran’s Araghchi: Our nuclear bomb is resilience, not weapons

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS