China is planning to install its first lunar base by 2028 as a challenge to NASA’s dominance in space. Here’s more on the upcoming happenings.
China to build its lunar base by 2028
As NASA’s dominance in space is rising, China is planning to establish its first lunar base by 2028. As per Caixin, it will be fueled by nuclear energy. Additionally, the Chang’e 6, 7, and 8 missions will build the hopper, orbiter, lander, and rover to make the basic configuration.
“Our astronauts will likely be able to go to the moon within 10 years,” stayed Wu Weiran. Weiran is the main designer of the program. He also claimed that using nuclear energy will provide a high-power and long-term solution for the lunar base.
The lunar base will also serve as the first human outpost on the south pole. Research shows the location is ideal for finding water on the moon. NASA is also targeting a location close to the region. China is hoping to turn the base into a global research facility in the future.
More on the space race
In recent years, China is stepping up its space program by sending rovers to the moon, constructing its own space station, and aiming to go to Mars. As a result of its recent work, it is directly competing with the US. China was the first to send a rover to the far side of the moon in 2019. NASA on the other hand is planning to send humans back to the moon for the first time since the 1970s. Moreover, Both China and the US are investing huge sums of money to gain access to resources that may support life on the moon. Additionally, gaining a stronghold on the moon will also help send a spacecraft to Mars.