On October 15, 2023, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the National Space Administration, and the manned space engineering office jointly released China’s first national space science plan, titled “National Space Science Medium and Long-term Development Plan (2024-2050).”
The plan outlines five major themes and 17 priority development directions, along with a roadmap for space science development leading up to 2050, divided into three phases:
Phase One (up to 2027): Focus on operating the Chinese space station and executing manned lunar exploration, the fourth phase of lunar exploration, and planetary exploration missions. This phase aims to assess and initiate 5-8 space science satellite missions and produce several significant original outcomes with international influence.
Phase Two (2028-2035): Building on achievements from Phase One, this phase will maintain the operation of the space station and pursue additional scientific tasks, including manned lunar exploration, establishing a lunar research station, and exploring the outer solar system. About 15 space science satellite missions will be planned.
Phase Three (2036-2050): By this phase, China aims to reach a leading global level in key areas of space science. It will evaluate and implement 5-6 large-scale missions, along with approximately 25 medium-sized and opportunistic projects.
Overall, the plan aims to position China as a key player in global space science by establishing a comprehensive and ambitious framework for future exploration and research.
Source: Sputnik News (Russia), October 15, 2024
https://sputniknews.cn/20241015/1062052529.html