On October 15th, during a press conference in Beijing, Lin Xiqiang, the spokesperson for China’s manned space program and deputy director of the China Manned Space Engineering Office, revealed exciting plans for China’s upcoming space endeavors. He explained that China intends to strategically utilize the upcoming manned moon landing mission and flight tests to conduct large-scale space science experiments. A preliminary framework has been established that focuses on nine major scientific goals across three fields: lunar science, moon-based science, and resource exploration.

On the same day, the first national medium- to long-term development plan for space science in China, titled “National Medium- and Long-Term Development Plan for Space Science (2024–2050),” was jointly announced by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the National Space Administration, and the China Manned Space Engineering Office. Lin Xiqiang addressed questions from the media, providing insights into this ambitious roadmap.

Looking ahead to the next decade, Lin outlined that the Chinese space station will focus on global scientific frontiers and major national needs. The research will center on four key areas: space life and human research, microgravity physics, space astronomy and earth sciences, and new space technologies. Altogether, there will be 32 research themes and plans to roll out thousands of scientific research and application projects.

Particularly noteworthy is China’s commitment to addressing significant questions in space astronomy. Lin announced that China will launch an internationally advanced 2-meter aperture survey space telescope. Currently, scientific centers are being established in Beijing, the Yangtze River Delta, and the Greater Bay Area of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau to support seven research directions and 24 projects, which are expected to lead to important breakthroughs in fields such as cosmology, galaxy science, and solar system bodies.

Moving forward, Lin emphasized that China is poised to implement its manned lunar exploration program. He highlighted that this mission represents a strategic effort to promote human civilization and demonstrate the responsibilities of a major nation. The historic moment when Chinese astronauts land on the moon will capitalize on their unique capabilities for conducting exploration activities, providing unprecedented opportunities for China’s quest to explore extraterrestrial bodies.