THE China National Space Administration (CNSA) plans to build a scientific station — the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) — on the Moon by 2050 and its first part is expected to be completed in 2035 .
The project, which began in 2017, has already attracted more than 40 signatory countries and saw the first mission to send materials for the construction of the base — the Chang’e-6 mission, which sent a load from the European Space Agency (ESA) — successfully completed.
The first part of the project foresees the construction of a base station in the lunar south pole region by 2035. The site will bring together instruments for carrying out simple scientific experiments, helping in the development of resource production strategies with limited supplies.
By 2050, the second part of the ILRS is expected to be completed, including a transport network connecting the lunar south pole, the equator and the far side of the natural satellite.
It will provide power supply, central control, communication, navigation, handling of round-trip transportation between Earth and the Moon, and scientific research on the lunar surface.
This phase of the project also includes a space station in orbit around the Moon to conduct scientific research and carry out technical checks and experiments to assist in planning a future manned landing on Mars.
The next cargo deliveries for the ILRS construction will be made on the Chang’e-7 and Chang’e-8 missions, which are scheduled to take place in 2026 and 2028, respectively.
The missions will have the role of exploring the far side of the Moon, carrying out environmental surveys and testing the use of lunar resources, establishing the basic infrastructure of the station.
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This content was originally published in First phase of Chinese lunar base to be completed in 2035 on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
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