China plans development of new nuclear system to power its bases on Moon by 2028

China is developing a nuclear system that will be used to power its lunar station planned to be developed on Moon's South Pole. Wu Weiren, chief designer of Chinese lunar exploration programme, told Chinese brocaster CCTV that this new system will fulfill 'high-power energy demands' of station, South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported. Notably, station is being developed by China National Space ministration (CNSA) and Russian space agency Roscosmos and is expected to complete by 2028.

station's basic configuration reportedly consists of a lander, a hopper, an orbiter and a rover. Once construction is over, nuclear system will be used to operate aforementioned instruments as well as for or tasks such as extracting water from lunar surface and producing oxygen for astronauts. 

(Graphical representation of China's lunar station; Image: CNSA)

While Chinese expert refused to share details about new nuclear powerhouse, previous reports have revealed that it would generate around 1 megawatt of electricity, according to SCMP. He, however, did reveal that re would be big rovers deployed at station which astronauts could use for transportation. Besides, hopper is anor next-generation vehicle that could hop in and out of craters while hunting water on Moon. Apart from equipment, nuclear system will also be used to power communication systems for uninterrupted contact with Earth. 

China has emerged as one of biggest players in space race and has successfully carried out multiple robotic missions on Moon. It is also a strong contender in colonising Moon after US, which has its own ambitions of establishing a sustainable permanent base through NASA's Artemis program. "China was first country to propose building such a research station at lunar south pole," Chinese expert said per SCMP. With five successful lunar missions in last 15 years, China is now working on Chang’e 6, 7 and 8 missions to eventually land its astronauts on Moon. 

NASA, on or hand, has been criticial of China's intentions as it recently alleged that Beijing might be planning to take over Moon as part of its military program. This was confirmed by NASA ministrator Bill Nelson in July who said that American space ministration has, in fact, been "very concerned" about China's alleged agenda of hijacking Moon.