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Why China wants to build a nuclear power plant on the Moon

China's moon mission
  • China is considering building a nuclear power plant on the Moon to power the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), a joint project with Russia.
  • This was revealed by Pei Zhaoyu, chief engineer of the Chang’e-8 mission, which is set to launch in 2028.
  • The mission will explore energy options for the lunar base, including solar arrays and the potential nuclear plant.
  • China aims to land astronauts on the Moon by 2030 and establish a permanent staffed lunar base by 2035.
  • This timeline coincides with Nasa's Artemis program, which plans to return US astronauts to the Moon in 2025.
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