China wants to build a base with a nuclear reactor on the Moon by the end of the decade

While the United States is preparing for its first moon landing since 1972, China is already planning to build a nuclear reactor on the satellite.

Here's What We Know

The People's Republic of China intends to build a lunar base that will be powered by a nuclear reactor. But first, China wants to deliver / build a landing and orbital modules, a bunker and a lunar rover. The plans are to be accomplished through the Chang'e-6, Chang'e-7 and Chang'e-8 missions, the first of which could start next year.

China wants to complete its first lunar base by 2028. It will be located at the South Pole and will eventually become an international research station. The chief instructor of the Chinese lunar program, Wu Weiran, stated that a nuclear reactor will ensure long-term power supply to the base.

It is worth noting that China is the only competitor of the United States in terms of lunar exploration. Both countries intend to land their astronauts on the Moon by the end of the decade. And the U.S. has already decided on the year - 2025, if everything goes according to plan.

Chinese specialists will be able to set foot on the surface of the Moon for the first time, according to Wu Weizhen, "within 10 years. By the way, China was the first country in the world that was able to land a rover on the back side of the moon.

Source: Bloomberg

Image: The Independent