XINHUA | China’s ambitious initiative to construct an international lunar research station (ILRS) is paving the way for a new era of global space collaboration, drawing in developing countries without their own space missions and igniting widespread enthusiasm for participation.
In 2017, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) officially launched the ILRS cooperation initiative to the international community. To date, over 40 institutions from across the world have signed cooperation documents with China.
The ILRS is a scientific experimental facility designed to be an expandable and maintainable system capable of long-term robotic operation with short-term human participation on the moon.
The project will be implemented in two phases. The first phase will see a basic facility built by 2035 in the lunar south pole region, while the second phase aims to establish a network connecting the moon’s south pole, equator and far side by 2050.
CONCERTED EFFORTS
Wu Weiren, director and chief scientist of Deep Space Exploration Lab (DSEL), said at an ongoing space conference in east China’s Huangshan city that the ILRS adheres to the principles of mutual consultation, joint construction and shared benefits to foster collaborative efforts with global partners.
Speaking at the conference, Wu Yanhua, chief designer of the country’s major deep space exploration project, extended an invitation to nations worldwide to participate in the two-phase program at various levels, including concept study, equipment, system and even mission levels.
Wu Yanhua also announced that China is planning to establish multiple international organizations, including a cooperation committee, an expert consultative committee, a tech innovation alliance, a science alliance and a coordination headquarters, to enhance global collaboration efforts.
Following the successful operation of payloads from the European Space Agency (ESA), France, Italy and Pakistan in China’s Chang’e-6 mission, the country’s Chang’e-7 lunar exploration mission, scheduled for launch around 2026, will carry six international scientific instruments. Chang’e-8, targeting a launch around 2028, will offer 200 kilograms of international payload capacity. Chang’e-8 and Chang’e-7 will finally be part of the basic model of ILRS.
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