China initiated preliminary studies in 2019, with the ambition of launching a crewed lunar mission within the next decade. A significant step towards this goal was taken two years later when the China National Space Agency (CNSA) and Roscosmos joined forces to establish the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) near the South Pole-Aitken Basin. The development of this station would be carried out in three distinct phases: Reconnaissance, Construction, and Utilization, spanning from 2021 to onward.
The first phase, Reconnaissance, is slated to occur between 2021 and 2025. During this period, comprehensive research and analysis will be conducted to gather crucial data about the lunar environment and identify potential landing sites for future missions. This initial stage is vital in determining the feasibility and safety of subsequent lunar expeditions.
Following the Reconnaissance phase, the Construction phase is scheduled to take place from 2025 to 2035. This ambitious undertaking involves building the necessary infrastructure for the International Lunar Research Station. The construction process will include deploying robotic systems and assembling various modules that will serve as habitats, laboratories, and operational centers. China, with its robust space program, aims to showcase its technical prowess by successfully erecting a state-of-the-art facility on the moon’s surface.
Once the Construction phase is completed, the Utilization phase will commence. Starting in 2035 and continuing into the foreseeable future, this phase envisions the utilization of the International Lunar Research Station for scientific research, experimentation, and technological advancements. It is during this stage that the station will become fully functional and capable of supporting long-duration human presence on the moon. This opens up opportunities for various disciplines such as astrophysics, geology, and biology to conduct cutting-edge research in a lunar environment.
China’s commitment to lunar exploration reached another milestone earlier this year when the country announced its intention to send a crewed mission to the lunar surface by 2030. This ambitious plan reflects China’s determination to establish itself as a leading spacefaring nation. By venturing beyond Earth’s boundaries and landing humans on the moon, China seeks to demonstrate its technological capabilities and strengthen its position in the global space race.
The upcoming crewed mission will undoubtedly be an intricate feat of engineering and logistics. It will require meticulous planning, advanced spacecraft design, and rigorous astronaut training. However, with their proven track record in space exploration, including successful robotic missions to the moon and Mars, China’s space agency is well-positioned to tackle these challenges head-on.
As China progresses towards its goal of a crewed lunar mission by 2030, the partnership with Roscosmos for the International Lunar Research Station marks a significant collaboration between two major space powers. Together, they aim to unlock new frontiers of scientific knowledge and pave the way for humanity’s long-term presence on the moon. The realization of this ambitious endeavor would not only advance our understanding of the cosmos but also serve as a testament to the remarkable achievements made possible through international cooperation in space exploration.
