China is charting an ambitious path to the Moon, announcing plans to launch two additional lunar missions following the upcoming Chang’e-6 mission. The China National Space Administration (CNSA) revealed on Tuesday that these missions aim to lay the groundwork for an international lunar research station (ILRS).
According to Bian Zhigang, deputy head of the CNSA, the Chang’e-7 mission is scheduled for 2026, with Chang’e-8 to follow around 2028. “These missions will survey the lunar south pole’s environment and resources, and verify technologies for in-situ utilization of lunar resources,” Bian stated.
The ILRS construction will unfold in two phases. The first phase focuses on establishing a basic station model centered on the Moon’s south pole by 2035. This model will support scientific research operations within a 100-kilometer radius and integrate unmanned lunar exploration, manned lunar landings, and international cooperation through an Earth-Moon information network.
The second phase, projected to be completed by 2050, will expand the station into a comprehensive lunar network. This network will utilize a lunar orbit station as its central hub, with exploration nodes at the lunar equator and the far side of the Moon. The result will be a large-scale scientific research platform capable of supporting long-term unmanned missions and short-term manned missions.
China’s lunar exploration program signifies its growing role in international space exploration. By focusing on the Moon’s south pole, the CNSA aims to tap into potential resources and conduct extensive scientific research, positioning China as a key player in the next era of lunar exploration.
Reference(s):
China to launch two more lunar station missions, first in 2026
cgtn.com
