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

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

Independent23-04-2025
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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