By 2050, will China’s lunar station change the face of space exploration? Here's what we know

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

lunar space station and exploring the potential for habitable planets. This roadmap, revealed on Tuesday by China’s leading space authorities, outlines a comprehensive strategy that will unfold from 2024 to 2050, marking a pivotal chapter in the nation's space exploration efforts.

Manned Lunar Mission Set to Launch

The new program emphasizes the goal of launching a manned lunar mission in the near future. This initiative reflects China’s commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and investigating the possibility of life beyond Earth. The ambitious plan aims not only to deepen understanding of space but also to enhance technological capabilities in lunar exploration.

Building a Lunar Space Station

Ding Chibiao, Vice President of the China Academy of Sciences (CAS), announced that the construction of the lunar space station will occur in phases, targeting completion between 2028 and 2035. Once operational, this station will act as a key base for scientific research and exploration missions across the solar system. It will build on previous successes, including the Tiangong space station and various Chang’e lunar missions, which have already gathered vital insights into the Moon’s surface. With the new station, scientists will conduct experiments that will deepen our understanding of the Moon and prepare for more advanced space ventures.

Exploring Habitable Worlds

Beyond lunar exploration, China is set to expand its focus to deeper space missions. The CAS and the China Manned Space Agency have outlined 17 key areas