From lunar sample returns and Mars missions to Jovian probes and asteroid sampling, China's space agenda through 2025 is packed with milestones, bolstered by robust international collaborations.
The Chinese National Space Administration (CNSA) detailed its key initiatives for 2021-2025 at a June 12 press conference, as reported by SpaceNews.
China's lunar program prioritizes the Chang'e-6 sample return mission, followed by Chang'e-7 for comprehensive surveys of the south pole's environment and resources. Chang'e-8 will test in-situ resource utilization and 3D printing technologies. These efforts form the initial phase of the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), developed in partnership with Russia.
CNSA Secretary General Xu Hongliang highlighted plans for a Mars sample return mission launching in 2028 and a Jupiter system probe in 2030, potentially including a landing on Callisto, one of Jupiter's Galilean moons.
In 2025, China will launch an asteroid sample return mission targeting 469219 Kamo'oalewa, Earth's quasi-satellite discovered in 2016 by the Pan-STARRS program.
For human spaceflight, construction of China's space station will wrap up by the end of 2022. Satellite capabilities will advance in Earth observation, communications, broadcasting, navigation, and positioning.
International partnerships are central to China's vision. The new space station will host experiments by global researchers. Key projects include a second Sino-Italian seismo-electromagnetic satellite and the Franco-Chinese SVOM observatory, launching next year to study gamma-ray bursts.
Upcoming Chang'e missions and the Kamo'oalewa asteroid sampler will carry international payloads.
This outlines the major initiatives ahead. A detailed white paper from the Chinese government is expected soon. Note that military-related efforts, such as intelligence networks or anti-satellite systems, are excluded from this overview.
