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An ambitious project by CNSA, in partnership with more than 40 countries, promises to revolutionize space exploration with a lunar base at the Moon's south pole
China is getting closer to realizing its plans for space exploration by advancing the construction project of the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS). The initiative, led by the China National Space Administration (CNSA), aims to establish a scientific station on the Moon by 2050, with the first phase of the base planned for completion in 2035. The project already has the cooperation of more than 40 countries, including strategic partnerships with the European Space Agency (ESA), according to the Terra website.
Initial phase of the Chang'e project and missions
CNSA launched the Chang'e-6 mission, responsible for collecting essential ESA materials, beginning the first stages of construction. This phase will be crucial for the development of a lunar base at the Moon's south pole, a region chosen because it contains valuable resources, such as water, which will be essential for survival and research. The initial base will focus on scientific experiments and the study of feasibility the use of limited lunar resources.
With the first part of the station scheduled for 2035, the ILRS promises to be a essential infrastructure for lunar exploration and colonization. Construction will be carried out in stages, with the aim of creating a permanent base capable of housing scientific experiments and establishing strategies for the sustainable exploration of the Moon.
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Main objectives of the scientific station
The main objective of the ILRS is allow fundamental scientific experiments to be carried out for lunar exploration. The initial phase, scheduled for 2035, will serve as a basis for scientists to develop technologies that enable the use of resources available on the Moon. The location at the lunar south pole was strategically chosen due to the presence of ice, which can be converted into water, an essential element for future manned missions and for the establishment of a permanent human presence.
Another focus of the project will be the technology development for sustainable energy production on the Moon. The power supply will be crucial to maintaining the operations of the scientific station and ensuring the continuity of research. In addition, the ILRS will act as a launch pad for future space missions, including the long-awaited human landing on Mars.
The lunar station in 2050
By 2050, China predicts a significant expansion of the ILRS, which will integrate a transportation network that will connect the south pole of the Moon to the equator and the hidden side of the satellite. This advance will be fundamental for the creating a sustainable infrastructure on the Moon, enabling continuous and self-sufficient operations. Planned innovations include:
- Sustainable energy supply: An autonomous system to ensure constant power to the station.
- Central control and communication: Advanced communication networks to support operations.
- Advanced navigation: Navigation system that will connect different points on the lunar surface.
- Earth-Moon transportation management: Efficient logistics for transporting materials between Earth and the Moon.
- Scientific research infrastructure: Advanced laboratories and equipment for cutting-edge experiments.
Additionally, a space station in lunar orbit will be installed to carry out scientific research and test essential technologies for future manned missions. This advance will be essential for carrying out a manned landing on Mars, a goal that China intends to achieve in the coming decades.
Future Chang'e Missions
The Chang'e-7 and Chang'e-8 missions, scheduled for 2026 and 2028, will play an essential role in building the ILRS. These missions are scheduled to explore the far side of the Moon, conduct environmental surveys and test technologies for using lunar resources. The success of these missions will be crucial for the installation of the basic infrastructure of the scientific station and for ensuring the progress of the project.
The main tasks of these missions include:
- Exploration and mapping of the far side of the Moon: Identification of strategic areas for future operations.
- Environmental surveys: Collection of data on the geology and composition of the lunar surface.
- Testing of resource extraction technologies: Verification of the feasibility of using available resources, such as water and minerals, to support future operations.
These activities will be fundamental for ensure that the lunar station is equipped with the best technologies and available scientific knowledge, allowing operations to continue for many decades.
Global Impact of ILRS
The International Lunar Research Station represents a milestone in global space exploration, and China’s leadership in the project highlights the country’s advancement in the aerospace sector. With the participation of more than 40 countries, the ILRS will become an international center for scientific research and innovation, opening new frontiers for space exploration.
The construction of the lunar station will also boost the development of new technologies, creating opportunities for international collaborations and scientific advancements that will benefit not only the exploration of the Moon, but also humanity’s future in space. The project is a significant step towards lunar colonization and the exploration of other planets, such as Mars.
