China has revealed an ambitious blueprint to construct an International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) by 2050, creating a network that links the moon’s south pole, equator, and far side. Wu Yanhua, chief designer of China’s major deep space exploration project, announced the plan at the second International Deep Space Exploration Conference in Tunxi of Huangshan City, east China’s Anhui Province.
The ILRS is envisioned as an expandable and maintainable system capable of long-term robotic operations with opportunities for short-term human participation. The project is set to unfold in two phases: a basic model to be established by 2035 in the lunar south pole region, followed by an extended model around 2050.
Wu extended an invitation to nations worldwide to participate in the program at various levels, including concept study, equipment development, system integration, and mission execution. “We welcome international partners to join us in fostering lunar exploration and promoting the peaceful use of outer space,” he stated.
The extended model aims to develop a comprehensive lunar station network, utilizing a lunar orbit station as the central hub and the south pole station as the primary base. It will include exploration nodes on the lunar equator and the far side of the moon, laying a foundation for future manned missions to Mars.
China plans to land astronauts on the moon by 2030, marking a significant milestone in its space exploration endeavors. In his speech, Wu detailed the ILRS’s composition, highlighting power systems powered by solar, radioisotope, and nuclear generators. The station will feature lunar-Earth and high-speed lunar surface communication networks and a fleet of lunar vehicles, including hoppers, unmanned long-range vehicles, and both pressurized and unpressurized manned rovers.
To ensure efficient Earth-moon transportation, the project includes the development of orbital and lunar-surface refueling stations, launch vehicles, orbiters, landing-and-ascent vehicles, and return capsules. These advancements aim to bolster human and robotic exploration, fostering international collaboration in deep space exploration.
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China outlines blueprint for international lunar research station
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