The China National Space Administration (CNSA) has unveiled plans for the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), a collaborative project with Russia aimed at establishing a lunar base for scientific research. The CNSA released a video detailing the concept of the ILRS, which will serve as a platform for interdisciplinary research activities focused on lunar exploration.
China, the leading partner in the initiative, is now seeking international partners to participate in the ILRS project. Countries such as Russia, Venezuela, Pakistan, and others have already joined the initiative, signaling a growing interest in lunar exploration.
The video also outlined the missions planned for the Chang’e-6 and 7 missions, with Chang’e-8 set to create a basic model of the ILRS by 2028. Wu Weiren, the Chief Designer of China’s lunar exploration program, emphasized that the ILRS will support long-term scientific research, work, and habitation, paving the way for future human exploration into deeper space.
The ILRS is planned to be constructed in two phases, with facilities expected to be established by 2035 and further expansion to a well-equipped facility by 2045. The inclusion of a retired NASA Space Shuttle in the video has sparked curiosity, as NASA is largely prohibited from cooperating with Chinese entities due to political restrictions.
China’s commitment to space exploration is evident in its designation of April 24 as ‘Space Day’ in 2016, showcasing its achievements in the field and signaling its ambitions for the future. With the ILRS project gaining momentum, the international community is eagerly anticipating the advancements and discoveries that will come from this collaborative lunar research station.
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