The China National Space Administration (CNSA) has started making plan for creating the International Lunar Research Station, which will be a base on the moon.
The project is already in the works, and is expected to be finished by 2050. However, it looks like “basic version” of the base will be completed by 2028. The basic version will be built over the course of seven launch missions – these include the Chang’e missions, as well as three international missions.
The Chang’e missions will focus on exploring the moon, as well as gathering samples and data. Other missions such as ILRS 1-5 will help build the full version of the base between the years 2030 and 2040.
According to Wu Weiren, Chief Designer of the country’s lunar program, building this large-scale base beyond earth will help pool the wisdom of space engineers and scientists from all over the world, greatly improve the understanding of the lunar environment, as well as understanding our ability to use lunar resources.
All i can say is this – I’m excited to point my telescope to the moon in 2050 and see people on the china moon base.
Image Source: CNSA
