International Lunar Research Station (China-Russia)
programNations & Geopolitics
China and Russia are building their own nuclear-powered Moon base as a rival to the US-led lunar program.
Who they are
The International Lunar Research Station, a China-Russia (CNSA/Roscosmos) Moon base program.
What they do
The engine frames it as a competing lunar bloc set against the American Artemis program.
How it works
It reports 17 partner nations, a planned automated lunar nuclear reactor around 2033-2035, a station operational around 2036, cooperation written into Russian law in June 2024, and a rejection of the US-led Artemis Accords.
Why it matters
It represents two rival powers hedging separately in space rather than a shared global leadership, with the engine leaving the ultimate top power undetermined ('apex held').
The engine's record — word for word
[Report #107 — 2026 Space Race] CNSA/Roscosmos International Lunar Research Station; reported 17 partner nations; planned automated lunar nuclear reactor (~2033-2035), station operational ~2036; cooperation codified into Russian law Jun 2024; rejects the Artemis Accords. The rival bloc to Artemis = parallel hedging, not a shared apex. Apex held; manifestation arm b.
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