China to establish moon base at lunar south pole by 2035

China has announced a two-phase plan to establish a moon base, with the first phase expected to be completed by 2035 near the lunar south pole. This initiative, known as the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), is being led by China in collaboration with Russia, and was initially outlined in June 2021. The first phase will involve five heavy-lift rocket launches to create a basic, robotic moon base. The extended model of the ILRS, projected for completion around 2050, aims to develop a comprehensive lunar station network. This network will utilize a lunar orbit station as a central hub, with the south pole station serving as the primary base. It will also include exploration nodes on the lunar equator and the far side of the moon, enhancing the scope of lunar exploration. Power for the ILRS will be generated through solar, radioisotope, and nuclear sources, ensuring a sustainable energy supply for operations. Additional infrastructure will include communication networks between the moon and Earth, as well as high-speed communication on the lunar surface. Various lunar vehicles, such as crewed rovers and unmanned long-range vehicles, will also be developed to support exploration efforts. China's plans have attracted international interest, with Senegal recently becoming the 13th country to join the project. This initiative is part of a broader effort to lay the groundwork for future crewed missions to Mars, positioning China as a key player in the new era of space exploration, alongside NASA's Artemis program.