Beijing, China — In a groundbreaking move, China on Tuesday unveiled its first-ever national plan for space science development, outlining an ambitious roadmap that extends through 2050. The “National Medium- and Long-Term Development Plan for Space Science (2024-2050)” aims to position China at the forefront of space exploration and research.
The plan, jointly released by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the China National Space Administration, and the China Manned Space Agency, identifies five major scientific themes with 17 priority areas for future breakthroughs:
- Extreme Universe: Delving into the origin and evolution of the universe to reveal physical laws under extreme cosmic conditions. Key areas include dark matter research, the study of extreme cosmic events, and the detection of baryonic matter.
- Space-Time Ripples: Detecting low-frequency and primordial gravitational waves to uncover the nature of gravity and space-time. The focus is on space-based gravitational wave detection.
- Panorama of the Earth and Sun: Studying the Earth, the sun, and the heliosphere to unveil the complex sun-Earth system and the physical processes connecting the sun and the solar system. Priority areas encompass Earth circulation systems, comprehensive Earth-moon observations, space weather detection, solar stereoscopic exploration, and outer heliosphere exploration.
- Habitable Planets: Assessing the habitability of solar system bodies and exoplanets while searching for extraterrestrial life. Key areas include sustainable development, solar system archaeology, planetary layer characterization, extraterrestrial life searches, and exoplanet exploration.
- Biological and Physical Space Science: Revealing the laws of matter movement and life activities under space conditions to deepen understanding of fundamental physics such as quantum mechanics and general relativity. Focus areas include microgravity science, quantum mechanics, general relativity, and space life sciences.
The development roadmap is segmented into three stages:
Stage One (Now to 2027)
China plans to maintain the operation of its space station, carry out manned lunar exploration, initiate the fourth phase of its lunar exploration project, and advance planetary exploration. The goal includes validating and approving five to eight space science satellite missions, aiming for significant original achievements with international impact.
Stage Two (2028 to 2035)
In addition to ongoing operations and manned lunar missions, China intends to build the international lunar scientific research station. Approximately 15 space science satellite missions are slated for implementation, with objectives to achieve original breakthroughs ranking among the world’s top scientific advancements.
Stage Three (2036 to 2050)
During this period, more than 30 space science missions are planned, with aspirations for significant advancements in key areas to reach a world-leading level.
Using spacecraft as the primary platform, China’s space science endeavors focus on studying natural phenomena and their laws, including physical, chemical, and biological processes occurring in the sun-Earth space, interplanetary space, and throughout the universe. The plan addresses some of the most challenging fundamental questions of our time, such as the nature of dark matter and dark energy, the origins of the universe, the mysteries of extraterrestrial life, the evolution of the solar system and planets, and sun-Earth connections.
This comprehensive plan underscores China’s commitment to advancing space science and contributing to humanity’s understanding of the cosmos.
Reference(s):
China releases first national plan for space science development
cgtn.com
