China’s ambitious initiative to establish an International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) has gained significant momentum as new global partners join the project. On Thursday, China’s space agency announced the signing of several agreements with international counterparts, marking a milestone in global space collaboration.
During the opening ceremony of a two-day space forum in Tunxi, Anhui Province, China and Senegal signed an agreement on ILRS cooperation. This partnership underscores China’s commitment to fostering international collaboration in space exploration.
In addition to Senegal, China’s Deep Space Exploration Lab entered into memoranda of understanding with ten organizations from countries including Serbia, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Panama, and South Africa. These agreements signify a growing international interest in participating in lunar research and exploration.
First proposed in 2017, the ILRS initiative invites global participation in building a comprehensive lunar research facility. The ambitious project has attracted widespread interest, with 17 countries and over 40 institutions already on board. The ILRS aims to develop a sustainable lunar research base, incorporating a lunar surface station, orbital satellites, and Earth-based support components.
Designed for long-term autonomous operation, the ILRS will also accommodate short-term human visits, promoting extensive scientific research and technological development. The station is envisioned to be expandable and adaptable, ensuring its longevity and relevance in future space endeavors.
The expanding list of global partners reflects China’s dedication to collaborative efforts in space exploration, emphasizing the importance of shared knowledge and resources. This international cooperation is set to advance lunar research significantly, contributing to humanity’s understanding of the moon and beyond.
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China's lunar research station initiative welcomes new global partners
cgtn.com
