Gearing up in the space race, China has crazy ideas about the Moon. New reports from the Asian country indicate that China aims to establish a base station on the Moon by 2028. This facility, which will be built on the Moon, will probably run on nuclear energy.
Nuclear power plant to produce 1 megawatt of electricity on the moon
China, which is reported to have seven-year Moon plans from 2027, seems to have expanded its targets in this area. According to a report by SCMP last week, the nuclear power base is designed to generate 1 megawatt of electricity.
Two Chinese scientists working as team leaders on the project reported that they have completed their designs for the prototype version of the nuclear base. They even stated that some parts were produced. However, it should not be forgotten that the 1 megawatt energy base on the Moon is quite ambitious.
For comparison, NASA developed three design concepts to build a nuclear fission reactor capable of producing 40 kilowatts of energy (about 4 percent of China’s). It was stated that this reactor could last for 10 years under lunar conditions.
Chinese scientists want the nuclear power plant to have an umbrella-like design. This will make it possible for it to distribute heat energy to more areas by surrounding it. In addition, liquid lithium will be used as a coolant.
“We think our astronauts can go to the Moon in 10 years,” said Wu Weiran, chief designer of China’s Lunar Exploration program. On the other hand, NASA wants to make a manned journey to the Moon in 2024 with the Artemis program.
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