China’s push to establish a permanent base on the Moon is progressing rapidly, increasing pressure on the United States and reshaping the future of lunar exploration. Through its International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) programme, developed in partnership with Russia, China aims to build a long-term research facility near the Moon’s south pole by 2035.
China’s Lunar Programme Gains Momentum
China’s lunar strategy has become increasingly systematic, with multiple missions planned to support the creation of a sustainable human presence on the Moon. The China National Space Administration plans to carry out the project in stages.
According to the roadmap, the Chang’e-7 mission will study water ice resources around the Shackleton crater, while Chang’e-8 will test construction methods using lunar soil. These efforts are focused on “in-situ resource utilisation,” allowing astronauts to produce oxygen, fuel and infrastructure directly from lunar materials.
The ILRS initiative has also attracted growing international support, with more than 17 countries and several research institutions reportedly joining the programme. Chinese lunar experts have additionally discussed plans for a nuclear reactor capable of supporting long-term operations on the Moon.
NASA’s Artemis Programme Faces Challenges
While China’s lunar plans appear increasingly stable, National Aeronautics and Space Administration continues to face setbacks under its Artemis programme.
NASA’s timeline for returning astronauts to the lunar surface has now shifted to 2028, following delays and redesigns. The agency has also altered plans for the Lunar Gateway project, placing greater emphasis on building a Moon base on the surface rather than relying on an orbital station.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman reportedly described the future Artemis Base Camp as initially resembling “a futuristic junkyard” before becoming fully operational. Political backing for lunar expansion in the US has also grown stronger, with lawmakers describing space leadership as strategically vital in the competition with China.
Why The Moon’s South Pole Is Strategically Important
The Moon’s south pole has become the focal point of the modern space race due to its potential resources. Scientists believe permanently shadowed regions in the area contain frozen water that could be used for drinking water, oxygen production and rocket fuel.
Research has also suggested that polar regions may offer safer conditions for long-duration missions because they experience fewer micrometeoroid impacts compared to other lunar areas.
A New Space Race Focused On Permanence
Unlike the Cold War-era Moon race, which centred on symbolic achievements, today’s competition is increasingly focused on establishing permanent operational bases beyond Earth.
Two competing visions have emerged: the US-led Artemis Accords framework and China’s ILRS partnership model. While NASA retains technological expertise and strong commercial partnerships with companies such as SpaceX, China’s steady and calculated progress has drawn growing international attention.
For decades, the Moon symbolised past achievements in space exploration. Increasingly, however, it is becoming a symbol of humanity’s future ambitions beyond Earth.
