China's Trailblazing Lunar Mission Sets Unprecedented Goals in Space Exploration

China's lunar mission to retrieve samples from the far side of the moon is on track for next year, according to officials. The mission, named Change-6, is part of Beijing's ambitious plan to send astronauts to the moon in the next decade and establish an international lunar research station. The country's National Space Administration (CNSA) announced that preparations for Change-6 were going well, with the deployment of the mission's relay satellite expected in the first half of next year.

CNSA also discussed its Change-8 mission scheduled for 2028 during the International Astronautical Congress in Baku, Azerbaijan. Chinese officials called for enhanced global collaboration for the unmanned lunar expedition, inviting other countries and international organizations to participate in joint "mission-level" projects. The details can be found on the CNSA website.

China and its international collaborators have the opportunity to collaborate on the launch and orbit operation of spacecraft, engage in spacecraft-to-spacecraft interactions, and undertake joint exploration of the moon's surface, according to the document.

Additionally, the spacecraft will have space available for foreign science payloads, weighing up to 200 kilograms (440 pounds), as stated on the agency's website. This will enable international partners to conduct lunar research by utilizing the mission's resources, Chinese state media reported.

China anticipates that its upcoming missions, as well as the Change-7 mission scheduled for 2026, will yield valuable data that will contribute to the establishment of a permanent international research station on the lunar south pole by 2040. This ambitious undertaking is an integral aspect of Beijing's broader efforts to solidify its position as a prominent player in space exploration.

In Jiuquan, China, on May 30, 2023, spectators including members from China's Manned Space Agency observed the launch of the Shenzhou-16 spacecraft. The spacecraft, which was propelled by the Long March-2F rocket, carried a three-astronaut crew bound for China's new Tiangong Space Station. This crew would replace the previous crew who had been stationed at the facility for the past six months.

China has unveiled its strategy to send astronauts to the moon by 2030, showcasing their impressive achievements thus far. Notably, China achieved a historic milestone by successfully deploying a rover to the far side of the moon in 2019. Additionally, they recently completed the construction of their orbital Tiangong space station. Looking ahead, China aims to cement its position as the second country ever to land a manned mission on the lunar surface by 2030.

In addition to this, Beijing aims to enhance its international connections by collaborating in space projects. However, only a few countries, such as Russia, Venezuela, and South Africa, have reportedly joined its lunar research station plans, according to Chinese state media. This highlights that China is not the only country that is prioritizing its space program and lunar aspirations. Numerous nations recognize the potential scientific advantages, national pride, resource accessibility, and opportunities for exploration in deep space that successful moon missions can offer.

India successfully landed its Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft on the moon last month, marking a major achievement as it became the fourth nation to do so. Notably, the spacecraft's lunar landing surpassed all previous attempts by reaching unprecedented proximity to the moon's south pole. In contrast, Russia's long-awaited return to lunar exploration took an unfortunate turn as its Luna 25 spacecraft experienced a failure, resulting in a crash upon impact with the moon's surface.

The United States has enhanced its lunar program by initiating the first test flight in 2022 as part of the Artemis program. This program seeks to bring American astronauts back to the moon by 2025 and establish a scientific base camp, focusing on the lunar south pole. In addition, the US has been actively forming alliances with over two dozen countries, who have pledged their commitment to the Artemis Accords, promoting peaceful exploration of deep space. Notably, China is not currently included in the list of signatory nations.

Chinas upcoming moon missions

Next year, Beijing's Change-6 mission aims to enhance our knowledge of the far side of the moon. This mission will be gathering samples, adding to the data collected from the previous 10 missions focused on the near side of the moon, which faces Earth. The CSNA announced this statement on Friday, coinciding with the Mid-Autumn Festival, a Chinese national holiday associated with the moon.

Hu Hao, a senior official working on the Change-6 mission, stated to Chinese state media last week that acquiring these samples will facilitate the progression of scientific research on the far side and expand our understanding of the moon's composition. The spacecraft is scheduled to land in the South Pole-Aitken Basin on the far side, where it will collect dust and rock samples from a significant lunar landform with great scientific significance.

The hidden side of the moon, unobservable from our planet, is adorned with craters instead of being overshadowed by expansive lunar mare or the remnants of ancient lava flows - an enigma that perplexes scientists.

On May 30, 2023, the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China witnessed the successful launch of the Shenzhou-16 spaceship. A crew of Chinese astronauts embarked on their journey aboard the Long March 2F rocket.

China sends first civilian astronaut to space as Shenzhou-16 blasts off

The Change-6 spacecraft will also carry payloads and satellites from four international partners, according to the CNSA.

The content includes a French-manufactured radon gas detection instrument, a negative ion detector provided by the European Space Agency, an Italian laser corner reflector used for radar system calibration, and Pakistan's CubeSat, a miniature satellite in a square shape.

Officials have stated that the upcoming missions include Change-7 in 2026, which will focus on exploring lunar resources at the moon's south pole, and Change-8 two years later, which will investigate the potential utilization of lunar materials.

China has launched five robotic probes since 2007. Its last mission, Change-5, landed on the moon in December 2020 and returned with samples of lunar rocks and soil.