On April 25, the first International Conference on Deep Space Exploration (Tiandu), themed "Flying to Deep Space through Win-win Cooperation," commenced in Hefei, Anhui. During the opening ceremony, the China National Space Administration and the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization signed a joint statement on the cooperation of the International Lunar Research Station.

The statement emphasized that both parties will engage in extensive and in-depth collaboration in the demonstration, engineering implementation, operation, and application of the International Lunar Scientific Research Station. This cooperation will cover areas such as technology testing, data analysis, education, and training.

Wu Weiren, academician, chief designer of China's lunar exploration project, and director of the Deep Space Exploration Laboratory, delivered a keynote speech on the construction of the International Lunar Research Station. He provided a comprehensive overview of the station's construction plan and extended a cooperation invitation to countries worldwide.

The International Lunar Research Station will follow a principle of "overall planning, step-by-step implementation, and use while building," with its development occurring in three stages:

+ By 2028, a basic model will be constructed to conduct lunar environment detection and resource utilization test verification.

+ By 2040, the station will be completed, carrying out space environment exploration and scientific experiments on the sun, earth, and moon. A comprehensive Magpie Bridge constellation and remote control system will be established to support manned moon landings and deep space exploration of Mars, Venus, and beyond.

+ Afterward, an application-oriented lunar scientific research station will be developed, transitioning the experimental station into a practical and multifunctional lunar base.

Wu Weiren also outlined key missions during the basic construction phase of the International Lunar Research Station:

+ Chang'e-6, set for launch around 2024, will carry out a sample return mission from the moon's far side.

+ Chang'e-7, planned for launch around 2026, will conduct a detailed investigation of the environment and resources at the lunar south pole.

+ Chang'e-8, scheduled for launch around 2028, will perform experiments and verifications related to lunar resource utilization and establish a basic lunar scientific research station.

The International Lunar Scientific Research Station, a joint project between China and other countries, is designed for long-term autonomous operation on the lunar surface and in lunar orbit, with short-term human participation. The station will serve as a comprehensive scientific experiment facility that can be expanded and maintained.

Related Links
China National Space Agency
Mars News and Information at MarsDaily.com
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