http://j.people.com.cn/n3/2024/1016/c95952-20230093.html

The Chinese Academy of Sciences, the National Space Administration, and the China Manned Space Program Office announced the “National Mid- to Long-Term Development Plan for Space Science (2024-50)” at a press conference held by the State Council Information Office on Oct. 15th, setting out the “three-stage” strategic goals for the development of China’s space science.

The plan sets out five scientific themes in which China aims to make a breakthrough:

‘Extreme Universe,’

‘Ripples of Space-Time,’

‘Comprehensive Observation of the Sun and Earth,’

‘Habitable Planets,’ and

‘Space Exploration,’ as well as 17 priority development directions.

〇 “Extreme Universe” mainly explores the origin and evolution of the universe and elucidates the physical laws under extreme cosmic conditions.

〇 “Space-time Ripples” mainly detects low- and medium-frequency gravitational waves and primordial gravitational waves, and elucidates the essence of gravity and space-time.

〇 “Comprehensive Sun-Earth Observation” mainly explores the Earth, Sun, and heliosphere, and elucidates the physical processes and laws of the complex sun-earth system and the overall connection of the sun-solar system.

〇 “Habitable Planets” mainly explores the habitability of solar system bodies and extrasolar planets, and searches for extraterrestrial life.

〇 “Space Exploration” mainly elucidates the laws of matter movement and life activity under space conditions, and deepens understanding of fundamental physics such as quantum mechanics and general theory of relativity.

The plan also forms a roadmap for China’s medium- to long-term development of space science.

By 2027, China’s space station will be operated, manned lunar exploration, the fourth phase of the lunar exploration project, and planetary exploration projects will be carried out, and five to eight space science satellite missions will be tested and planned.

From 2028 to 2035, China will continue to operate its space station, conduct manned lunar exploration, test and carry out scientific missions such as the International Lunar Science Research Station, and test and carry out about 15 space science satellite missions.

From 2036 to 2050, more than 30 space science missions will be tested and carried out, reaching world-leading levels in key fields.

Wang Chi, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and director of the National Space Science Center of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said, “Space science is a central area of ​​international space cooperation. The peaceful use of space concerns the happiness of all mankind and is a common task for all mankind. We will further promote international cooperation and exchanges in space science in multiple forms, so that space science and technology can be better and bring more benefits to mankind.”