On October 15th, a press conference held by the State Council Information Office introduced details about China’s medium- to long-term space science development plan.
Lin Xiqiang, the spokesperson for the China manned space program and Deputy Director of the China Manned Space Engineering Office, shared insights on the ambitious goals for the next decade. He highlighted that the Chinese Space Station will focus on the forefront of global science and the major needs of the country, centering its efforts on four key research domains: space life and human research, microgravity physics, space astronomy and Earth sciences, and new space technologies. A total of 32 research themes have been outlined, and plans are in place to roll out thousands of scientific research and application projects aimed at achieving significant scientific discoveries, making breakthroughs in key technologies, and continuously advancing the transformation of results for practical applications.
In addressing major issues in space astronomy, Lin announced that plans are underway to launch a 2-meter aperture sky survey space telescope, designed to meet international advanced standards. Corresponding scientific centers have already been established in Beijing, the Yangtze River Delta, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. This initiative encompasses seven research directions and 24 projects, with the potential for significant breakthroughs in fields such as cosmology, galaxy science, the Milky Way, solar system celestial bodies, and transient sources.
Looking ahead, the next step involves implementing a manned lunar exploration program. Lin emphasized that human landings on the Moon represent a strategic effort to promote societal progress and highlight the responsibilities of a major power. As China prepares for its first crewed lunar landing, the aim is to leverage the unique advantages of astronauts conducting explorations on the lunar surface, thereby providing expansive historical opportunities for extraterrestrial research. The program will integrate flight tests prior to the first manned moon landing along with the mission itself to conduct large-scale space science experiments. Currently, there are preliminary plans encompassing nine scientific objectives across three main areas: lunar science, lunar-based science, and resource exploration and utilization.
Lin remarked that the timely release of the national space science medium- to long-term development plan serves as a guiding framework to further focus on critical core issues. The aim is to strengthen the organic integration and alignment of scientific goals with manned space mission tasks, contributing to the construction of a robust space power and fostering high-quality development in space science.
