China's Lunar Exploration Program Marks Milestones and Future Endeavors
Chief designer highlights advancements and upcoming missions in lunar exploration at National Museum exhibition.
China's lunar exploration program has achieved systematic advancements over the past two decades, encompassing scientific research, technological innovation, engineering development, and international collaboration, according to Wu Weiren, chief designer of the program.
In an interview, Wu made these comments during the opening of an exhibition at the National Museum of China, which commemorates 20 years of lunar exploration efforts.
Wu indicated that significant geological and environmental data have been gathered through the program, revealing new elements, minerals, and celestial phenomena that enhance humanity's understanding of the moon.
The program has not only led to key breakthroughs in aerospace technology but also established a unique lunar exploration project system, accompanied by a robust infrastructure framework.
The chief designer emphasized China's commitment to international collaboration, highlighting initiatives for data-sharing and joint research that contribute to the global advancement of lunar exploration.
Looking towards the future, Wu announced plans for the Chang'e-7 mission, scheduled for approximately 2026, which aims to investigate the environmental conditions and resources available at the south pole of the moon.
Following that, the Chang'e-8 mission is planned for around 2028, focusing on experimental approaches for the in-situ utilization of lunar resources.
Wu revealed ongoing developments in creating a solar-powered device capable of melting lunar soil at temperatures ranging from 1,400 to 1,500 degrees Celsius.
This innovation aims to produce 'lunar bricks' via 3D printing technology, a crucial step towards establishing a future lunar research station.
As part of the exhibition, lunar samples collected during the Chang'e-5 and Chang'e-6 missions are on display.
This event marks a historic moment, showcasing for the first time samples from both the near and far sides of the moon side by side, representing a significant achievement in China's lunar exploration initiatives.
Furthermore, Wu committed to making additional lunar samples accessible for global scientific research, with the intention of facilitating discoveries that benefit all of humanity.
The exhibition, co-hosted by the National Museum of China and the China National Space Administration, is set to run for two months.
In an interview, Wu made these comments during the opening of an exhibition at the National Museum of China, which commemorates 20 years of lunar exploration efforts.
Wu indicated that significant geological and environmental data have been gathered through the program, revealing new elements, minerals, and celestial phenomena that enhance humanity's understanding of the moon.
The program has not only led to key breakthroughs in aerospace technology but also established a unique lunar exploration project system, accompanied by a robust infrastructure framework.
The chief designer emphasized China's commitment to international collaboration, highlighting initiatives for data-sharing and joint research that contribute to the global advancement of lunar exploration.
Looking towards the future, Wu announced plans for the Chang'e-7 mission, scheduled for approximately 2026, which aims to investigate the environmental conditions and resources available at the south pole of the moon.
Following that, the Chang'e-8 mission is planned for around 2028, focusing on experimental approaches for the in-situ utilization of lunar resources.
Wu revealed ongoing developments in creating a solar-powered device capable of melting lunar soil at temperatures ranging from 1,400 to 1,500 degrees Celsius.
This innovation aims to produce 'lunar bricks' via 3D printing technology, a crucial step towards establishing a future lunar research station.
As part of the exhibition, lunar samples collected during the Chang'e-5 and Chang'e-6 missions are on display.
This event marks a historic moment, showcasing for the first time samples from both the near and far sides of the moon side by side, representing a significant achievement in China's lunar exploration initiatives.
Furthermore, Wu committed to making additional lunar samples accessible for global scientific research, with the intention of facilitating discoveries that benefit all of humanity.
The exhibition, co-hosted by the National Museum of China and the China National Space Administration, is set to run for two months.
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