China has taken significant strides in its quest to land astronauts on the moon by 2030, marking 2024 as a year of remarkable achievements in space exploration.
Historic Chang’e-6 Mission
On May 3, China successfully launched the Chang’e-6 lunar probe, aiming to retrieve samples from the far side of the moon—a feat no nation has accomplished before. History was made on June 25 when the Chang’e-6 returner landed in Inner Mongolia, bringing back 1,935.3 grams of lunar samples.
The groundbreaking samples have shed new light on the moon’s mysteries. A study published in Nature on December 19 revealed that the moon’s magnetic field experienced a surprising resurgence 2.8 billion years ago after a significant decline around 3.1 billion years ago. This discovery challenges previous theories about the lunar dynamo’s energy state.
Ambitious Plans for Lunar Exploration
Beyond its 2030 moon landing goal, China is set to construct an International Lunar Research Station (ILRS). This scientific facility will encompass sections on the lunar surface, lunar orbit, and Earth. The project is planned in two phases: establishing a basic model by 2035 in the lunar south pole region, followed by an extended model by 2050.
Milestones in Manned Space Program
China’s manned space program reached new heights with four successful missions in 2024.
- Tianzhou-7 Cargo Launch: On January 17, the Tianzhou-7 spacecraft lifted off from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site, delivering 5.6 tonnes of supplies to the China Space Station for the Shenzhou-17 and upcoming Shenzhou-18 crews.
- Shenzhou-18 Mission: Launched on April 25, the Shenzhou-18 crew conducted two spacewalks, setting a new record for the longest single spacewalk by Chinese astronauts at 8.5 hours. They returned to Earth after a six-month mission.
- Shenzhou-19 Mission: On October 30, China sent its youngest trio of astronauts, including two born in the 1990s, aboard the Shenzhou-19 spacecraft from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. The crew completed a record-breaking nine-hour spacewalk on December 17 and remains in orbit.
- Tianzhou-8 Cargo Launch: The Tianzhou-8 cargo spacecraft launched on November 15, supplying the Shenzhou-19 and future Shenzhou-20 crews with essentials, scientific materials, and personalized gifts.
Looking Ahead
China plans to continue its momentum in 2025 with three key missions: the manned Shenzhou-20 and Shenzhou-21 missions, and the launch of the Tianzhou-9 cargo spacecraft. These efforts underscore China’s commitment to advancing its space exploration and bringing its lunar ambitions closer to reality.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
