China’s lunar exploration program says Chang’e-7 and Chang’e-8 will become parts of the basic model of the International Lunar Research Station, described as a scientific experimental facility with sections on the lunar surface, in lunar orbit, and on Earth.[2] Public Chinese and secondary reporting places the ILRS basic model at the lunar south pole by 2035, with an expanded phase in the 2040s; related reporting says the first phase also aims for a facility within a 100 km radius of the south pole and that China seeks participation from 50 countries, 500 foreign institutions, and 5,000 foreign researchers.[5][7][8]
The technical signal is clear: ILRS is being designed as a scalable, maintainable system centered on energy, communications, transportation, and research rather than a single outpost, and some reporting indicates consideration of solar power, surface pipelines, and possibly a nuclear reactor by 2035.[6][15] For lunar habitation, that means the decisive bottlenecks are not only landing humans but sustaining closed logistics, power continuity through polar darkness, and resilient infrastructure that can support long-duration science and operations.
Ark should track ILRS for three reasons: first, it is a live reference case for polar site selection and infrastructure phasing; second, its partner network may define practical standards for interoperable lunar systems; third, any demonstrated power, communications, or ISRU architecture can be adapted for a preservation-grade lunar sanctuary. Priority research targets are the Chang’e-7/8 mission roles, the 2035 basic-model subsystem list, and whether China formalizes a nuclear or hybrid power architecture for polar operations.[2][6][9]