China and Russia Solidify Lunar Partnership with Ground breaking Moon Power Plant Deal
China and Russia Seal Moon Power Plant Deal to Outpace U.S. This marks a big step in their long-term space cooperation. The reactor will supply energy to the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), a joint project expected to be finished by 2036, according to Space.com.
Lunar Ambitions Gain Momentum as U.S. Pulls Back
The announcement comes as NASA proposes a 2026 budget that may cut its orbital lunar outpost plans. This could reduce the U.S. role in lunar development. Meanwhile, China and Russia are moving forward with plans to establish a permanent base on the Moon.
Yury Borisov, the head of Roscosmos, said the reactor will likely be built and activated without human presence. In a 2024 interview with TASS, he said the technology for autonomous construction is “almost ready.”
Roscosmos confirmed on May 8 that the ILRS will support advanced space research. It will also test new technologies for long-term, uncrewed operations. Human missions remain a future goal, as both countries lay the groundwork for a lasting Moon presence.
The ILRS now includes 17 partner nations. These include Egypt, Pakistan, Venezuela, Thailand, and South Africa. The growing list shows increasing interest in space cooperation beyond Western alliances.
China’s Chang’e-8 mission, set for 2028, will prepare the site for the ILRS. It will also be China’s first mission to land an astronaut on the Moon. This mission marks a key step toward building a permanent station at the lunar south pole.
Between 2030 and 2035, China and Russia plan to launch five super heavy-lift rockets. These launches will carry key components for the robotic Moon base. The goal is to have full deployment ready by the mid-2030s.
