China's Lunar Exploration Program Achieves Systematic Advancements
Highlights from two decades of lunar exploration are showcased in a new exhibition in Beijing.
BEIJING, April 1 -- China's lunar exploration program has reached significant milestones over the past twenty years across various domains, including scientific research, technological innovation, engineering development, and international collaboration, according to Wu Weiren, the chief designer of the program.
Wu spoke during the inauguration of an exhibition at the National Museum of China that celebrates two decades of lunar exploration efforts.
Wu emphasized that the program has yielded extensive geological and environmental data, revealing new elements, minerals, and lunar phenomena.
This extensive data collection has significantly enriched global understanding of the moon.
The program has also achieved critical advancements in core aerospace technologies, establishing a unique system for lunar exploration that includes a comprehensive infrastructure.
Furthermore, Wu noted that China has actively engaged in international cooperation by promoting data-sharing and joint research initiatives, thereby contributing to the global advancement of lunar exploration.
Looking toward future missions, Wu announced that the Chang'e-7 mission is scheduled for launch around 2026, aimed at exploring the moon's south pole for environmental analysis and resource identification.
The subsequent Chang'e-8 mission is expected to take place around 2028, focusing on experiments related to the in-situ utilization of lunar resources.
In a noteworthy development, scientists are currently working on a solar-powered device that can melt lunar soil at temperatures ranging from 1,400 to 1,500 degrees Celsius to create 'lunar bricks' using 3D printing technology.
This innovation is a crucial step towards establishing a research station on the lunar surface.
As part of the exhibition, lunar samples collected during the Chang'e-5 and Chang'e-6 missions are on display to the public.
Wu highlighted that this exhibition marks the first occasion in history where samples from both the near side and far side of the moon can be observed side by side, representing a significant accomplishment for the program.
Emphasizing the importance of global scientific collaboration, Wu indicated that China plans to make more lunar samples available for international research to support discoveries that are beneficial to humanity.
The exhibition is organized by the National Museum of China in partnership with the China National Space Administration and is expected to run for two months.
Wu spoke during the inauguration of an exhibition at the National Museum of China that celebrates two decades of lunar exploration efforts.
Wu emphasized that the program has yielded extensive geological and environmental data, revealing new elements, minerals, and lunar phenomena.
This extensive data collection has significantly enriched global understanding of the moon.
The program has also achieved critical advancements in core aerospace technologies, establishing a unique system for lunar exploration that includes a comprehensive infrastructure.
Furthermore, Wu noted that China has actively engaged in international cooperation by promoting data-sharing and joint research initiatives, thereby contributing to the global advancement of lunar exploration.
Looking toward future missions, Wu announced that the Chang'e-7 mission is scheduled for launch around 2026, aimed at exploring the moon's south pole for environmental analysis and resource identification.
The subsequent Chang'e-8 mission is expected to take place around 2028, focusing on experiments related to the in-situ utilization of lunar resources.
In a noteworthy development, scientists are currently working on a solar-powered device that can melt lunar soil at temperatures ranging from 1,400 to 1,500 degrees Celsius to create 'lunar bricks' using 3D printing technology.
This innovation is a crucial step towards establishing a research station on the lunar surface.
As part of the exhibition, lunar samples collected during the Chang'e-5 and Chang'e-6 missions are on display to the public.
Wu highlighted that this exhibition marks the first occasion in history where samples from both the near side and far side of the moon can be observed side by side, representing a significant accomplishment for the program.
Emphasizing the importance of global scientific collaboration, Wu indicated that China plans to make more lunar samples available for international research to support discoveries that are beneficial to humanity.
The exhibition is organized by the National Museum of China in partnership with the China National Space Administration and is expected to run for two months.
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