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China-Russia’s ILRS: A Giant Leap for Lunar Science

In a bold stride toward extraterrestrial research, China and Russia have unveiled plans to construct a nuclear-powered International Lunar Research Station (ILRS). This ambitious venture aims to revolutionize lunar exploration by supporting long-term scientific activity on the Moon.

A key highlight of the plan is the "555 Project", which seeks to create a massive global collaborative network by engaging:

  • 50 countries

  • 500 international scientific research institutions

  • 5,000 overseas researchers


What is ILRS?

The International Lunar Research Station is a proposed scientific base on the Moon, designed for both robotic and crewed missions, with long-term goals of permanent lunar presence and advanced space science.


Objectives of ILRS:

  • Study lunar geology and topography

  • Conduct lunar-based astronomy and deep-space observations

  • Observe Sun-Earth-Moon space weather systems

  • Perform fundamental science experiments on the Moon

  • Enable in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) like extracting lunar water or oxygen


Strategic Features:

  • Earth-Moon transportation systems

  • Nuclear power-based energy supply

  • Centralized command and control capabilities

  • Communication and navigation infrastructure

  • Ground support systems for international collaboration

So far, 17 countries and various international organizations have joined the initiative, making it one of the most expansive cooperative ventures in lunar research history.


UPSC Relevance:

  • GS Paper 3 (Science and Technology): International space cooperation, lunar technology, and energy innovation

  • International Relations: Geopolitics of space exploration, China's growing space footprint

  • Ethics & Energy Policy: Use of nuclear power beyond Earth


UPSC Prelims MCQ

Consider the following statements about the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS):

  1. It is a joint initiative between China and Russia.

  2. The ILRS aims to utilize solar energy for powering the station.

  3. One of its objectives is lunar-based astronomical observations.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3


Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only

Explanation:

  • Statement 1 is correct – ILRS is being developed jointly by China and Russia.

  • Statement 2 is incorrect – The station plans to use nuclear power, not solar energy.

  • Statement 3 is correct – One key objective is lunar-based astronomical observation.


UPSC Mains Question

Q. Discuss the significance of the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) in the context of international space cooperation. How can such collaborations influence geopolitics and scientific advancement?


 
 
 

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