China’s Ambitious Plan to Build a Moon Base Inside Lunar Lava Tubes
Caves have always provided shelter for humanity, and it seems that our distant ancestors were onto something when they sought refuge in these natural formations. Now, as humans plan to revisit the Moon, lunar caves may once again serve as a protective sanctuary for astronauts.
On Earth, caves offered our ancient ancestors protection from the elements, predators, and rivals, using only primitive technologies like sticks, stones, furs, and fire. Similarly, on the Moon, astronauts will need to find shelter from a different set of hazards, including cosmic and solar radiation, meteorites, extreme temperature ranges, and impact ejecta.
Thanks to the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), hundreds of lunar “skylights” have been discovered. These skylights are locations where the ceiling of a lava tube has collapsed, creating a natural opening into the tube. Lava tubes, also known as pyroducts, are formed when lava cools on the Moon’s surface, creating a solid crust while the molten lava continues flowing beneath it. Once the lava drains completely, an empty tube is left behind.
It is believed that lava tubes several hundred meters in diameter could exist on the Moon, providing ample space for astronauts to work and live. The idea is to construct a base inside a lunar lava tube, utilizing the thick rock ceiling as additional protection.
China is currently exploring this concept, following in the footsteps of previous studies conducted by different countries and agencies. The Chinese researchers have also conducted fieldwork in Chinese lava tubes to gain a better understanding of their potential use on the Moon.
One of the significant advantages of lava tubes is their constant temperature. Unlike the extreme temperature fluctuations on the Moon’s surface, lava tubes provide a stable environment that is ideal for prolonged human habitation. Furthermore, the thick layers of rock above the tubes offer effective shielding against radiation, a significant concern for astronauts.
China’s plan involves deploying robotic systems to explore lunar caves, equipped with scientific payloads to study lunar dust, radiation levels, and the presence of water ice. The mission would utilize auxiliary vehicles that can traverse the challenging terrain and assist with communication and energy support.
The long-term goal for China is to establish a crewed underground research base inside a lunar lava tube, complete with residential and research facilities. The base would be located in either Mare Tranquillitatis (Sea of Tranquility) or Mare Fecunditatis (Sea of Fecundity), which have been identified as promising sites for exploration.
The details of China’s plans are relatively scarce, considering their more secretive approach to information sharing compared to other space agencies. However, their recent success in space missions, ongoing projects, and future lunar ambitions indicate a strong commitment to space exploration and the establishment of China as a prominent space power.
While China’s timeline for building a Moon base remains uncertain, their dedication to the idea is evident. As they continue to study lunar lava tubes and explore the Moon’s surface, China aims to join the ranks of nations that have ventured beyond Earth and established a permanent presence in space.
Perhaps, as Chinese taikonauts take refuge in lunar caves, they will reflect on our ancient ancestors and the significance of caves throughout human history. They may even leave their own marks on the walls of a lunar lava tube—an enduring symbol of humanity’s quest for exploration and discovery.