Development of 1MW-Class Reactor for Lunar Base in China

Power Supply for Lunar Probe via Chinese Nuclear Energy... Production of Oxygen and Water
European Space Agency Increases Space Development Budget by 25% Lagging Behind US and China in Lunar Development

[Asia Economy Senior Reporter Cho Young-shin] It has been reported that China is developing a new nuclear energy system (reactor) to be used at the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS). China has announced a four-phase space development plan to build a lunar base by 2028 for lunar exploration.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The South China Morning Post (SCMP), citing China Central Television (CCTV), reported that China is developing a new energy system using nuclear power to solve the power supply problem of the lunar base.

Wu Weiren, chief researcher of China's lunar exploration project, said, "The basic framework of the lunar research base will be completed by 2028," adding, "After the basic structure is completed, the lunar base will continue to expand." He further explained, "The lunar base will consist of a lunar lander, return vehicle, exploration vehicle, communication infrastructure, and human life support systems." He also revealed that they are developing a new energy system capable of supplying long-term power and other energy to the lunar base. Regarding the new energy system disclosed by Chief Researcher Wu, SCMP reported that China will build a reactor at the lunar base.

SCMP estimated that although Chief Researcher Wu did not disclose technical details about the reactor, it will be a reactor capable of producing 1MW (megawatt) of electricity. 1MW is the amount of power that can supply 300 households for one year based on a family of four.

SCMP also reported that China will use nuclear energy not only to supply power to observation instruments such as exploration vehicles but also as an energy source to produce oxygen and water.

The state-run Global Times also reported on the plan to use nuclear energy at the lunar base, stating that nuclear energy will support communication facilities connecting Earth, the Moon, and Mars. The media outlet said that China will send astronauts directly to the Moon for lunar exploration within the next 10 years, and nuclear energy will enable astronauts to stay on the Moon for extended periods.

Meanwhile, as the United States (Artemis lunar project) and China race to explore the Moon, the European Space Agency (ESA) is also expected to increase its budget and engage in space development. The British BBC reported on the 21st (local time) that Europe, judging that it is falling behind in the space race compared to the United States, China, and other countries, has increased its space development budget by 25% to 18.5 billion euros (about 26 trillion won).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.