Latest news with #InternationalLunarResearchStation
Mint
2 days ago
- Science
- Mint
US vs China: NASA plans to build nuclear reactor on Moon. What it means? All we know so far
.NASA's interim administrator Sean Duffy recently announced plans to install a nuclear reactor on the lunar surface by 2030. He said the US is in a new space race with China to claim the most resource-rich part of the moon. Water ice and continuous sunlight make certain parts of the moon, especially near the south pole, ideal for setting up a permanent moon base. These conditions are important for both sustaining human life and generating power. "There's a certain part of the moon that everyone knows is the best," he said. "We have ice there. We have sunlight there. We want to get there first and claim that for America," he said. Unlike solar power, fission systems can operate around the clock — invaluable during the weeks-long lunar nights or Martian dust storms. Notably, spacecraft orbiting the Earth or stationed on the moon are typically powered by solar panels. However, solar power alone won't be enough for long-term human occupation of the moon, said Roger Myers, an expert on space-based nuclear power, "The sun sets on the moon for two weeks," he was qopted by NPR as saying. "You have to have another source of energy: The sun and batteries do not work. We're going to have to have nuclear power." Duffy explained earlier in August that energy is the key to setting up a permanent base, and that's why he wants a 100-kilowatt nuclear reactor placed on the moon within the next five years. He said such a reactor would generate about the same amount of electricity that a typical US household uses in 3.5 days. The US is rushing to put nuclear power reactors on the Moon and Mars, and hopes to launch the first system by the end of the decade. NASA is currently working to return astronauts to the moon through its Artemis program, which aims to establish one or more bases on the lunar surface by 2030 or so. Meanwhile, China also plans to set up a moon base, in partnership with Russia and a number of other nations. A successful manned landing before 2030 is likley to boost China's plans to build a "basic model" of the International Lunar Research Station by 2035. This manned base, led by China and Russia, would include a nuclear reactor on the moon's surface as a power source," Reuters reported. NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return to the Moon and establish a lasting presence near the south pole, has faced repeated delays. The timeline for Artemis 3, the first planned crewed landing, has slipped to 2027, a date few see as realistic given the planned lander, SpaceX's Starship, is far from ready. China, meanwhile, is targeting 2030 for its first crewed mission and has proven more adept at meeting its deadlines in recent years. A space lawyer said a lunar nuclear reactor "may sound dramatic, but it's neither illegal nor unprecedented." "Nothing in international law prohibits the peaceful use of nuclear power on the Moon," Michelle LD Hanlon, Professor of Air and Space Law, University of Mississippi wrote in The Conversation. She said that if deployed responsibly, it could allow countries to peacefully explore the Moon, fuel their economic growth and test out technologies for deeper space missions. Hanlon explained why being the first to do so is important. She said, "The first country to succeed could shape the norms for expectations, behaviors and legal interpretations related to lunar presence and influence." The space law expert said building infrastructure is not staking a territorial claim. 'No one can own the Moon, but one country setting up a reactor could shape where and how others operate – functionally, if not legally,' she added. She further believe that a reactor on the Moon 'isn't a territorial claim or a declaration of war. But it is infrastructure.' Since 2000, NASA has invested $200 million towards developing small, lightweight fission power systems, though none have progressed towards flight readiness, according to the new NASA directive -- first reported by Politico and seen by AFP on Tuesday. The most recent effort came in 2023 with the completion of three $5 million industry study contracts that focused on generating 40 kilowatts of power, enough to continuously run 30 households for 10 years. NASA formally committed to using nuclear power on Mars in December 2024 -- the first of seven key decisions necessary for human exploration of the Red Planet. Besides, the United Nations' 1992 Principles Relevant to the Use of Nuclear Power Sources in Outer Space recognises that nuclear energy may be essential for missions where solar power is insufficient.
India Today
3 days ago
- Science
- India Today
China tests Dream Vessel that will take its astronauts to the Moon
China has recently taken a significant step forward in its ambitious lunar exploration program by successfully testing its manned lunar capsule, Mengzhou, and conducting a critical landing and takeoff test of its lunar lander named is accelerating efforts to land astronauts on the Moon and establish a sustainable presence Mengzhou spacecraft, sometimes called the "Dream Vessel," is a next-generation reusable crewed spacecraft developed independently by China. It completed a crucial zero-altitude escape test earlier this year, demonstrating its integrated escape and rescue functions designed to safeguard astronauts during emergencies at This spacecraft is modular and capable of carrying up to seven astronauts, with variants configured for near-Earth operations and deep-space missions such as lunar expeditions. The success of the escape test lays a strong technical foundation for China's manned lunar missions planned for the coming a landmark test conducted in Hebei province, north China, the Lanyue lunar lander underwent comprehensive trials that simulated lunar surface conditions, including terrain features like rocks and craters and lunar soil test, the first of its kind for an extraterrestrial landing and takeoff by a Chinese manned spacecraft, validated the lander's ability to safely touch down and ascend from the Moon's meaning "Embrace the Moon," is designed not only to ferry astronauts between lunar orbit and the surface but also to serve as a habitat, power station, and command hub during their stay. It has features including a lunar rover and life support systems, making it central to future lunar surface lunar ambitions extend beyond individual missions. Plans are underway to build a "basic model" of the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) by around 2035 near the Moon's south base, a joint effort with Russia and potentially other international partners, aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon, powered by a combination of solar arrays and a nuclear reactor on the lunar surface. The ILRS will support scientific research and serve as a stepping stone for deeper space exploration, including crewed Mars the successful tests of Mengzhou and Lanyue mark major milestones in China's lunar exploration strategy, aiming to achieve a manned landing before 2030 and construct a lunar base that could become a hub of international scientific cooperation and long-term space habitation. - EndsMust Watch
The Diplomat
02-07-2025
- Science
- The Diplomat
China's Steady Ascent to the Moon: How Beijing Is Rewriting Lunar Geopolitics
When the Chang'e 6 return capsule touched down in the dusty plains of Inner Mongolia in June 2024, it carried something no nation had ever retrieved: the first samples from the far side of the Moon. For China's space agency, this wasn't just a scientific achievement; it was a message. It marked a pivotal shift, signaling that China's lunar ambitions had evolved from symbolic flag planting to a systematic push for permanent space infrastructure. Chang'e 6 was not a one off headline grabber, but rather part of a rapidly advancing sequence. Chang'e 7, scheduled for 2026, will scout the Moon's South Pole, an area of strategic interest due to potential water deposits. Chang'e 8, launching in 2028, aims to test technologies for using local lunar resources. And by 2035, Beijing plans to begin constructing a permanent International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), possibly powered through the freezing two-week lunar nights by a small nuclear reactor. Meanwhile, officials say China remains 'on track' to land its first astronauts on the Moon by 2030. This spring's successful trials of the country's new two-part crewed spacecraft (Mengzhou and its lander, Lanyue) reinforced that timeline. And with the launch of Tianwen 2 in May, a mission to return samples from both an asteroid and a comet, China has made its intentions unmistakably clear. In space, China is not merely catching up anymore, but rather it is starting to lead. Why the Moon, and Why Now? China's accelerated push toward the Moon is not simply a scientific endeavor. It is guided by a strategic calculus shaped by the interlocking imperatives of accessing resources, having technological leverage, and establishing a long term political control. First, the Lunar South Pole contains permanently shadowed craters believed to hold substantial reserves of water ice. For any country seeking a lasting presence on the Moon, that ice is of tremendous importance, as it can be converted into fuel, life support, and even infrastructure. Securing access to these polar deposits offer not only practical advantage but also immense geopolitical symbolism. In space, as on Earth, control of critical resources translates into influence. China's lunar missions are not developing in isolation. Key technologies – such as the heavy lift Long March-10 rocket, high thrust propulsion systems, and robust cislunar communication networks – have direct military relevance. While Chinese officials maintain that the lunar program is peaceful, defense analysts see clear convergence with the People's Liberation Army's growing interest in space as a strategic domain. These dual use dividends are too significant to ignore. Building a Coalition on Beijing's Terms There is a clear geopolitical dynamic at play as China's space program advances. While the United States advertises its 55-member Artemis Accords as proof of international momentum, Beijing is quietly building a rival coalition. Thirteen countries have signed onto China's ILRS agreement so far, including Russia, Pakistan, Belarus, and South Africa. To expand its influence, China has rolled out an ambitious '5-5-5' campaign, under which it aims to add a total of 50 nations, 500 institutions, and 5,000 researchers to engage in lunar science by the early 2030s. This division is stark and deliberate. With the exception of Thailand, not a single Artemis country has joined the ILRS, and none of China's partners has signed the Artemis Accords. Beijing is making its offer hard to refuse, as it offers low interest loans for ground stations, tech transfer guarantees, and slots for smaller payloads on Chinese missions. The result is a familiar dynamic, a quiet struggle for influence, echoing the divides seen in the race for 5G or the Belt and Road Initiative. How the United States Is Reacting Inside NASA, China's growing momentum is seen less as an external threat and more as a rallying cry. Administrators from both Republican and Democratic administrations have repeatedly cast the Artemis program as essential to winning the new space race with China, as recently stated by Administrator Bill Nelson. It is a message that resonates on Capitol Hill, where bipartisan support has helped secure funding for core elements like the Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion, even as deadlines slip. Few lawmakers want to be seen as soft on China, especially when space dominance is framed as a matter of national prestige and security. External rivals can unify an otherwise polarized Congress, and Artemis has proven no exception. The Biden administration quietly adopted all of the program's core goals from its predecessor, shifting the first crewed lunar landing from 2024 to 2027 or later, but keeping China at the center of its justification. Still, the U.S. political system remains a structural weakness in this long term competition. Artemis has already suffered multiple delays, and a December 2023 audit put the odds of a 2028 landing at just 70 percent. Additionally, the White House fiscal year 2026 budget proposal for NASA included a 25 percent reduction in NASA's funding and plans to phase out the SLS and Orion spacecraft after Artemis III. This raises significant concerns about the viability of the current lunar return strategy. China, by contrast, can redirect funding or extend timelines without public debate or political backlash, potentially giving it an advantage in the lunar exploration race. Unlike democratic systems where space funding often fluctuates with political shifts, Beijing can sustain multidecade programs with centralized coordination. At a deeper level, the two programs reflect diverging philosophies. The United States leans on the private sector (outsourcing key components to firms like SpaceX and Blue Origin) in hopes of gaining speed and reducing costs. Whether that gamble pays off remains one of the defining questions in this unfolding lunar rivalry. Implications for the Indo-Pacific The prospect of rival, partially overlapping communication and navigation networks in cislunar space is causing concern among Asian defense planners. A radio quiet zone on the Moon's far side (prized by astronomers for its shielded environment) could easily conceal surveillance infrastructure. Meanwhile, proposals for lunar 'gas stations' to refuel spacecraft raise uncomfortable legal questions about territorial control in a domain still governed by the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, drafted long before GPS or commercial satellites ever existed. Japan and India, both signatories to the Artemis Accords, have expressed public support for U.S. leadership. But behind the scenes, Japan's SLIM precision lander and India's upcoming Chandrayaam 4 sample return mission may position them to share data or cooperate with both blocs, keeping diplomatic options open. For smaller Southeast Asian countries, the calculus feels familiar, much like debates over maritime codes of conduct. The goal is to avoid choosing sides outright while maximizing technology transfer and strategic flexibility both from Washington and Beijing. To many ASEAN capitals, lunar engineering might still seem like science fiction. But the stakes are very real. Whichever bloc secures early access to polar ice on the Moon could gain a commanding position in the emerging cislunar economy, powering Earth Moon cargo transport and satellite relays. The intellectual property, industrial standards, and logistics infrastructure built in space won't stay in space. They will shape value chains back on Earth, from robotics to additive manufacturing. Australia's nascent Moon to Mars supply chain initiatives, South Korea's KPLO orbiter study and Singapore's interest in cislunar cybersecurity all suggest the region understands what is at stake. Participation choices will increasingly interconnect with terrestrial trade and security partnerships. A Contest of Rule Making, Not Just Rockets Framing today's lunar competition as a 'new Cold War' misses the point. China and the United States are not simply racing to plant flags; they are maneuvering to shape the rules of the game. Technological standards, legal norms, and commercial protocols established now will define who sets the pace in space for decades to come. Beijing's centrally planned path toward its ILRS promises long-term stability, but offers little in the way of transparency. Washington's Artemis program, by contrast, is built around a decentralized, commercial led coalition, bringing openness and broad participation, but also slower timelines and political volatility. For policymakers across the Indo-Pacific, the challenge is to engage without becoming dependent. That means pushing for interoperable standards, avoiding exclusivity in launch or communications deals, and investing in domestic lunar science capabilities to remain credible at the negotiating table. The Moon is no longer just a silent presence in the night sky. It is quickly becoming the region's newest strategic frontier.
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Who Can Build on the Moon? Understanding the Wild West of Lunar Architecture
Photo: Foster + Partners If all goes to plan, by 2040 people may be living on the moon in houses made—essentially—from mushrooms. At least, that's how astrobiologist Dr. Lynn J. Rothschild is picturing it. She imagines domed habitats that could comfortably host three bedrooms, with spectacular views of space beyond their large windows. Under an inflatable shell, they would be made of mycelium, a root-like fungal structure, something of an alternative building material heroine, lauded for its durability; versatility; and water-, mold-, and fire-resistant properties. Here on Earth, it's been used to make bricks for construction, furniture, and even shoes. 'Mycelium has low flammability and great acoustic properties. It can be made so that it is highly insulating,' says Rothschild, who works at NASA's Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley, California. Rothschild and her team are just one of several research groups exploring the possibilities of what a moon base might look like: China and Russia are aiming to create a lunar nuclear power plant, Foster + Partners is working with the European Space Agency to 3D-print a lunar habitat, and Japan hopes to establish its own surface colony, to name a few. With all of these projects in the works, it begs the question: Who is actually allowed to start building? In this article Who can build on the moon? How might lunar real estate be divided? What would homes actually look like on the moon? Where would moon homes be located? There's a reason that Star Trek dubbed outer space 'the final frontier.' Establishing settlements on extraterrestrial bodies is a bit like claiming land in the former Wild West—whoever can reach it first can plant their flag, with some limits. The Outer Space Treaty of 1967 and 2020's Artemis Accords state that no one country can own the moon and set guidelines for lunar conduct. However, individuals can explore, build structures, and mine the moon for its minerals. To this end, the United States, China, Japan, Russia, and India have all successfully landed lunar rovers, however, the US is the only country to have sent humans to the moon's surface. All are currently vying for a piece of its real estate: Japanese private space exploration company ispace is aiming to match the US's 2040 timeline for lunar habitats. However, it is currently stalled by multiple failed missions to land a probe on the moon. Meanwhile, China and Russia are partnering on a project called the International Lunar Research Station that claims construction will begin after 2028. The duo is considering powering it with a nuclear plant. Azerbaijan, Belarus, Egypt, Kazakhstan, Nicaragua, Serbia, Pakistan, Senegal, South Africa, Thailand, and Venezuela have also signed on to the project, though official designs for the station and plant have yet to be released. Should several countries be successful in building a moon base, research centers, habitats, or even a power plant on the moon's surface, each would be operated and occupied by its nation's astronauts and partners. They would be laid out similar to the way Antarctica's permanent research stations are plotted across its icy tundra, loosely clustered by global region but more on a first-come, first-flag-planted basis. To some, that's concerning. In January, World Monuments Fund (WMF) included the moon on its 2025 World Monuments Watch because of potential for new explorers and exploiters to damage it and its 'over 90 historic sites and countless artifacts, including the Apollo 11 lander, Neil Armstrong's first footprint, and the goodwill messages disc from 72 nations,' describes WMF CEO Bénédicte de Montclair. 'Existing frameworks like the Outer Space Treaty and Artemis Accords acknowledge space heritage but lack enforcement mechanisms,' she says. 'International cooperation—modeled after the Antarctic Treaty—could establish binding protections.' The United States isn't necessarily focused on founding habitats where historic moon sites or artifacts exist. NASA's Moon to Mars plan, which aims to establish homes on the surfaces of the moon and Mars (perhaps with the application of Rothschild's research), is focused on the South Pole. However, that isn't to say that other astronauts—or even private companies—with the ability to reach the moon wouldn't potentially damage these important sites. By 2040, NASA aims to have constructed long-term habitats on the lunar surface and will later do the same on Mars. To do so, however, isn't as simple as blasting traditional framing materials up to space during the next rocket launch. In addition to wanting to avoid steel or wood beams occupying valuable square footage inside spaceships, building on the moon requires specific architecture that can handle its thin, non-breathable atmosphere, which causes extreme temperature fluctuations and offers no protection from radiation nor meteoroid impacts. To that end, some NASA projects explore using the moon's own surface material to construct our future homes in combination with advanced building technologies currently being perfected here on Earth. 'Earth-based [building] innovations—focused on thermal regulation, resource efficiency, and structural resilience—serve as a foundation for designing lunar habitats that can withstand extreme temperatures, radiation, and micrometeorite impacts, ensuring long-term human survival beyond Earth,' explains Irene Gallou, a senior partner at architecture firm Foster + Partners, which has been working with NASA on designs for lunar and Martian habitats since 2015. Foster + Partners's lunar designs, which were on view recently at the Kennedy Center exhibition 'Earth to Space: Arts Breaking the Sky,' will 'rely on 3D printing, robotic assembly, and leveraging local materials derived from lunar regolith [the moon's topsoil] to create sustainable, cost-effective habitats,' Gallou says. Similar to 3D-printed homes on Earth, the building process would require that autonomous robotic printers, and perhaps inflatable scaffolding, be delivered to the site before construction can begin. A regolith material mix could take the place of typical concrete or mortar. Rothschild's fungal mycelia structures offer an even greener building method, which could eschew the need for large machine deliveries. 'On Earth, 'life' is a very common building material, from animal skins and bones in very early habitats to the wooden structures of today,' she explains. 'There are a lot of great reasons for biological materials—we have chosen one that should be ideal off-planet.' Adding to the list of benefits, a dark-colored fungi could mean stronger protections from UV rays and solar and galactic radiation. Plus it could be composted when no longer needed. 'It also has great biophilic psychological properties,' Rothschild adds, referencing the idea that incorporating nature into the built environment can reduce stress and improve cognitive function for residents, among other benefits. Lunar habitats would likely be located where the moon can offer the best resources. Rothschild's research, for example, explores the idea that fungus could grow lunar housing on site—just add water. There is evidence of ice in the deep, shadowed craters on the moon's South Pole—hence, where NASA and China are concentrating current missions—but harnessing it will be difficult. One solution Rothschild's team is exploring is pre-growing mycelia with wood chips inside an inflatable structure on Earth, then popping it up after transport to the moon to allow the structure to solidify. 'We would hope to use water that is already available on the moon to save mass required to carry water from Earth,' she adds. Aside from potential water sources, the lunar South Pole is a good location for habitats due to its 'near constant illumination, ideal for generating power via solar cells,' Gallou says. Foster + Partners and Branch Technology recently designed and prototyped a 164-foot-tall power-collecting solar tower for NASA, which could generate energy for self-sufficient live-work structures. Like on Earth, humans in lunar habitats will need the essentials—food, water, and shelter. If the Moon proves it can provide all three, it could become a place that we also call home. Originally Appeared on Architectural Digest More Great Stories From AD Not a subscriber? Join AD for print and digital access now. Pamela Anderson's Renaissance Started in Her Home Garden: 'That's Where I Found Myself Again' The Best Country to Live in: Our Top Picks for 2025 Inside Julio Torres's Williamsburg Mysterious Palace
Sustainability Times
14-06-2025
- Business
- Sustainability Times
'China Is Already There': Shocking Lunar Strategy Exposes How Beijing Plans to Dominate Space and Rewire Global Power Structures
IN A NUTSHELL 🚀 China's lunar program aims to establish a geopolitical foothold through strategic partnerships, challenging U.S. space dominance. aims to establish a geopolitical foothold through strategic partnerships, challenging U.S. space dominance. 🌕 The collaboration with Russia includes plans for the International Lunar Research Station , focusing on resource acquisition like helium-3. , focusing on resource acquisition like helium-3. 🔬 Extracting rare earth elements from the Moon could bolster China's technological and economic influence. from the Moon could bolster China's technological and economic influence. 🌐 These developments may significantly shift global power dynamics as nations compete for extraterrestrial resources. As China continues to expand its lunar program, the world watches closely. China's ambitions extend far beyond mere scientific inquiry, aiming to establish itself as a major space power. Notably, it was the first nation to land on the dark side of the moon and collect samples. With plans like the Chang'e-8 mission and the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) in collaboration with Russia, China is not only eyeing strategic resources like helium-3 and rare earth elements but also aiming to enhance its geopolitical influence. This focus on the moon could reshape global energy and technological landscapes, positioning China as a formidable competitor to US space leadership. China's Strategic Lunar Ambitions China's lunar program is not just an exploration endeavor; it is a strategic move to acquire resources and influence. The International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), planned in partnership with Russia, exemplifies this strategy. The station aims to be a scalable, autonomous lunar base near the Moon's unexplored south pole. Such initiatives challenge the US-led Artemis program and mark a shift in global space dynamics. By targeting the Moon's resources, China seeks to secure its future dominance in energy markets, particularly through the extraction of rare elements like helium-3. The collaboration with Russia, highlighted by the potential construction of a lunar nuclear power plant, underscores the formation of a rival space bloc. This partnership is significant, especially during a time of strained relations between Russia and the West. By strengthening ties with Russia, China not only advances its lunar objectives but also enhances its geopolitical standing. The focus on lunar resources is part of a broader strategy to gain a foothold in future energy markets, potentially reshaping the global power balance. 'China Tightens Solar Grip': Already Dominating the Market, Beijing Unveils New Tech to Cement Total Global Control The Role of Helium-3 and Rare Earth Elements Central to China's lunar strategy is the extraction of helium-3, a rare isotope with the potential to revolutionize nuclear fusion technology. Helium-3 could become a major export for power generation, offering an energy output significantly greater than traditional resources. The Chang'e missions have already discovered minerals containing helium-3, marking a significant step toward harnessing this potential. In addition to helium-3, lunar soil contains rare earth elements essential for various technologies, including electronics and defense systems. Control over these resources could reduce China's reliance on terrestrial supply chains, further bolstering its technological dominance. The extraction of these elements from the Moon could lead to breakthroughs in fields such as quantum computing, offering China a substantial information advantage. This strategy is not only about resource acquisition but also about leveraging these materials for technological and military superiority. 'Mini Nuclear Breakthrough': China Activates World's First Compact Reactor to Deliver Clean Energy to Over Half a Million HomesPlant Set to Power Over Half a Million Homes in China Geopolitical Implications and Challenges China's lunar ambitions pose significant challenges to the US and its allies. The establishment of the ILRS with Russia highlights differing approaches to space governance and international cooperation. This partnership challenges the US-led space initiatives, emphasizing the need for the West to adapt its strategies. The collaboration is particularly notable given existing US policy constraints on cooperation with China. The potential operationalization of lunar resources, such as helium-3, could alter global power dynamics. China's advancements in lunar exploration and resource extraction may lead to economic and technological advantages, shifting the balance of power. The geopolitical implications of these developments cannot be understated, as they could redefine global influence and competitiveness in space. 'We Cannot Ignore This Threat': China's 1,000-Acre Military Megabase Revealed by Satellite Triggers US Intelligence Emergency Technological Advancements and Future Prospects China's focus on leveraging lunar resources for technological advancements is a critical component of its strategy. The potential for helium-3 to power nuclear fusion reactors and facilitate breakthroughs in quantum computing is significant. If successful, these technologies could provide China with a substantial edge in the global technological race. However, the feasibility of extracting and utilizing these resources at scale remains uncertain. While the potential is immense, the technological and economic challenges are considerable. The development of fusion technology and efficient lunar mining processes are crucial to realizing these ambitions. The question remains whether China can bridge the gap between its goals and the current technological capabilities. As China continues to pursue its lunar ambitions, the implications for global space exploration and geopolitics are profound. The race to harness lunar resources could redefine power dynamics on Earth, challenging existing alliances and strategies. How will the world respond to these developments, and what role will other nations play in shaping the future of space exploration? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.4/5 (21)
