On the lunar surface, every “night” lasts roughly 14 Earth days. With the sun out of view, temperatures plunge to nearly minus 300 degrees Fahrenheit, solar panels stop generating power, batteries drain and electronics freeze. In 2024 and 2025, the United States made its return to the moon with three commercial landers thanks to investments by NASA and industry. Each completed its primary mission but lacked the thermal and power systems needed to survive the lunar night, dying within two weeks. By contrast, Chinese landers equipped with nuclear power systems have remained operational for more than 2,400 days. 

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