China wants to take robot dogs to the Moon to build a base with astronauts by 2035

China plans to send robot dogs to the Moon to assist astronauts in the construction and operation of the future International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), according to a report released last week by the South China Morning Post newspaper. According to scientists from the Chinese Academy of Space Technology cited in a study published in the magazine Chinese Space Science and Technology, Beijing would be "expanding the frontier of human spaceflight from Earth orbit to the Moon." The plan calls for three astronauts operating alongside robots on the lunar surface. One astronaut would control two robot dogs on the ground, while another would collect rock samples and fulfill other scientific objectives. A third astronaut would remain inside a pressurized van-sized vehicle, coordinating the mission and controlling other robots as needed. Robots would also play a key role in extracting lunar resources: collecting water ice, mining, building with local materials and converting lava tubes into habitats. Lava tubes are underground tunnels that formed after volcanic lava flowed, the surface solidified, and the interior became hollow. More than tools, partners A collaborative network of quadruped robots, vehicles with wheels and articulated arms must take on routine tasks, such as daily patrols and inspections, air and temperature regulation, cleaning living spaces, caring for plants and preparing meals. "Humans and dogs will live and work side by side. The robot dog will even watch over the lunar research station. But whose guard will it be?" jokes the scientific publication Interesting Engineering. Furthermore, these robot dogs would be able to talk to astronauts and keep them company, alleviating the psychological burden of living in an isolated environment. Robot dogs would be able to talk to astronauts and keep them company. Klaus W. Schmidt/IMAGO/DW "The proposed human-robot collaboration model allows us to leverage the complementary strengths of both, serving as a reference for the future construction and efficient operation of China's lunar research station," the scientists added. Base construction and schedule China aims to send astronauts to the Moon before 2030 and have the ILRS fully operational by 2035, in collaboration with Russia and other international partners, near the lunar south pole. By 2045, Beijing plans to establish a lunar orbital station to expand the complex. Each lunar module would be approximately three meters in diameter, with an internal volume of around 16 cubic meters and a mass of around ten tons. These modules would be built with materials resistant to radiation, extreme temperatures and lunar dust, and would be connected by docking corridors. China is also preparing the unmanned Chang'e-7 mission, scheduled to launch in late August 2026. Its objective is to search for water ice at the lunar south pole, a resource that could be vital for the base's future inhabitants. The challenges that still persist Researchers recognize that operating robots on the Moon will not be easy. Most artificial intelligence (AI) models have been trained in terrestrial environments that simulate the lunar surface. It will take time to improve AI systems on the ground, in a mission with minimal margin for error. Added to this is the lack of digital infrastructure. The future base will have to build its own communications and navigation systems from scratch before humans and robots can coordinate effectively over long distances. Future lunar exploration, the authors conclude, will depend on "astronaut-led decision-making and work performed by autonomous robots."