China to Launch Crewed Moon Mission by 2030 and Build Base by 2035
China has officially confirmed plans for its first crewed lunar landing by 2030 as part of the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) initiative, with a long-term goal to establish a permanent, habitable base on the Moon by 2035.
From exploration to colonization
The China National Space Administration (CNSA) announced that the mission will send two astronauts to the Moon’s south pole to conduct scientific research and survey the region for resource potential. The southern pole was chosen due to its abundant ice reserves and relatively stable illumination, making it ideal for both habitation and energy production.
The mission marks the beginning of the ILRS program — a multinational initiative led by China and supported by Russia and several emerging space powers. The program envisions joint lunar infrastructure for scientific research and industrial development.
Helium-3: the fuel of the future
One of the key objectives of the mission is to study the possibility of extracting helium-3 — a rare isotope that could serve as a clean and nearly limitless source of energy for future fusion reactors. Chinese scientists estimate that just a few tons of He-3 could power the entire planet for years without radioactive waste or carbon emissions.
CNSA and its partners plan to test technologies for resource processing and transport to Earth by 2045. If successful, China could lead the next energy revolution through lunar mining.
Strategic and technological significance
Beyond scientific ambition, the project has clear geopolitical implications. China’s rapid progress in space technology — from its Tiangong space station to Chang’e lunar probes — is positioning the country as a direct competitor to NASA’s Artemis program. Both nations are racing to build a sustainable presence on the Moon, viewed as a strategic outpost for Mars missions and deep-space operations.
By 2030, China aims to demonstrate autonomous lunar landing, in-situ resource utilization (ISRU), and AI-assisted robotic construction of surface modules.
Toward a new era of space economy
Analysts describe the ILRS as a blueprint for the “space economy of the 2030s.” If China succeeds in establishing its lunar presence, the resulting ecosystem could include mining operations, data relays, scientific labs, and AI-controlled energy facilities.
With companies like CASIC and private aerospace startups already involved, the project illustrates China’s shift toward a public-private model of space innovation similar to SpaceX in the United States.
Conclusion
The announcement of a crewed lunar mission by 2030 solidifies China’s status as a major player in the new space race. If successful, the ILRS could not only transform lunar exploration but also redefine the global energy landscape through helium-3 extraction and fusion technology. The Moon may soon become the frontier of both scientific discovery and economic competition.
Editorial Team — CoinBotLab