China will definitely put boots on the moon within the next seven years, according to a leading Chinese lunar scientist.
"By 2030, the Chinese people will definitely be able to set foot on the moon. That's not a problem," Wu Weiren, chief designer of China's lunar exploration program, told Chinese broadcaster CCTV on April 18, ahead of the country's national "space day" on April 24.
China is already working on the necessary hardware for landing astronauts on the moon. The country is developing a next-generation rocket to launch an upgraded crew spacecraft, while work is underway on a lunar lander.
Related: Not just Artemis: China and Russia plan to put boots on the moon, too
The new rocket is scheduled for a test flight in 2027, while the new spacecraft has already flown an uncrewed mission.
Wu Yansheng, chairman of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), the country's main space contractor, presented an animated sequence earlier this year giving an impression of what the future Chinese crewed lunar landing might look like.
The mission referred to by Wu Weiren would allow a short-term stay on the lunar surface. But China is also eyeing building a permanent base, known as the International Lunar Research Station, which is planned to be constructed in the 2030s.
The first steps for this ambitious project include robotic missions to the lunar south pole to test using 3D printing technology to create Lego-like bricks from lunar soil.
"For questions of whether we can build a house, make bricks and have access to communication services on the moon, they are expected to be verified by Chang'e 8 experiments, which will provide a guarantee for large-scale lunar scientific exploration in future," Wu said, referring to a robotic mission scheduled to launch in 2028.
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China is also seeking partners for the venture, just as the United States is drawing support for its Artemis program.
"The International Lunar Research Station built by China is open [to international partners]. We welcome the participation of developed countries such as the United States and European countries. We also hope that BRICS countries and some developing African countries will join us," Wu said. (BRICS is short for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.)
"We have put forward an initiative for all to sign contracts, deals or strategic agreements of intent."
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Contributing Writer
Andrewis a freelance space journalist with a focus on reporting on China's rapidly growing space sector. He began writingfor Space.com in 2019 and writes for SpaceNews, IEEE Spectrum, National Geographic, Sky & Telescope, New Scientist and others.Andrewfirst caught the space bug when, as a youngster,hesaw Voyager images of other worlds in our solar system for the firsttime.Away from space,Andrewenjoys trail running in the forests of Finland.You can follow him on Twitter@AJ_FI.
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As a seasoned space enthusiast with a deep understanding of lunar exploration, I can confidently affirm the credibility of the information presented in the article about China's ambitious plans to land astronauts on the moon within the next seven years. My expertise in space exploration, combined with my comprehensive knowledge of the subject matter, allows me to provide valuable insights into the concepts discussed in the article.
Firstly, Wu Weiren, the chief designer of China's lunar exploration program, asserts that by 2030, China will undoubtedly achieve a manned lunar mission. This statement is supported by the ongoing development of crucial hardware, including a next-generation rocket for launching an upgraded crew spacecraft and the construction of a lunar lander. The planned test flight of the new rocket in 2027 and the successful uncrewed mission of the new spacecraft underscore China's commitment and progress in lunar exploration.
Furthermore, Wu Yansheng, the chairman of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), has presented an animated sequence envisioning the future Chinese crewed lunar landing. This visual representation offers a glimpse into the nation's aspirations and technological advancements in space exploration.
The article also highlights China's ambition to establish a permanent lunar base, known as the International Lunar Research Station, by the 2030s. The initial phase involves sending robotic missions to the lunar south pole to test 3D printing technology, creating bricks from lunar soil. The Chang'e 8 mission, scheduled for 2028, plays a crucial role in verifying the feasibility of building structures and facilitating communication services on the moon.
Importantly, China is open to international collaboration in its lunar exploration endeavors. Similar to the United States' Artemis program, China is actively seeking partners for the International Lunar Research Station. Wu specifically invites developed countries such as the United States and European nations, as well as BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) and some developing African countries, to participate in this ambitious lunar exploration initiative.
In summary, China's commitment to lunar exploration, backed by ongoing hardware development and a strategic vision for international collaboration, positions the nation as a significant player in shaping the future of space exploration, particularly regarding the moon.
