On October 15, 2023, a significant announcement was made in Beijing by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), the National Space Administration, and the China Manned Space Engineering Office regarding the launch of the “National Medium and Long-term Development Plan for Space Science (2024-2050).” This marks the first unified national-level medium and long-term development blueprint in China’s space science sector, with the ambition of transforming China into a leading space science power.

At a press conference held by the State Council Information Office, distinguished CAS Academician and Vice President Ding Chibiao shed light on the details of the newly released plan. This framework focuses on five major scientific themes: “Extreme Universe,” “Spacetime Ripples,” “Sun-Earth Panorama,” “Habitable Planets,” and “Space Matter,” along with 17 prioritized development directions. The implementation will unfold in three stages: by 2027, from 2028 to 2035, and from 2036 to 2050.

Ding elaborated that the “Extreme Universe” theme aims to explore the origins and evolution of the universe while uncovering the physical laws governing extreme cosmic conditions. Key development areas will include dark matter, the universe’s origins, and the exploration of baryonic matter.

The “Spacetime Ripples” theme will concentrate on detecting low-frequency and primordial gravitational waves to reveal the essence of gravity and spacetime, with an emphasis on space gravitational wave detection.

Under the “Sun-Earth Panorama,” the focus will be on studying the Earth, the Sun, and the heliosphere, aiming to unveil the complex interactions within the Sun-Earth system. Areas of priority will include the Earth’s circulation system, lunar and planetary observations, space weather monitoring, comprehensive solar observations, and heliospheric exploration.

For the “Habitable Planets” theme, the plan will investigate the habitability of celestial bodies within our solar system as well as exoplanets, including the search for extraterrestrial life. Key focus areas will encompass sustainable development, solar system archaeology, planetary characterization, the search for extraterrestrial life, and the detection of exoplanets.

Lastly, the “Space Matter” theme aims to uncover the laws of material movement and life activity under space conditions, deepening our understanding of fundamental physics, including quantum mechanics and general relativity. Priority initiatives will feature microgravity science, quantum mechanics and general relativity research, and space life sciences.

The development roadmap outlined in the plan emphasizes three key phases to advance China’s space science:

– **Phase One (by 2027):** Operationalize the Chinese Space Station, conduct crewed lunar exploration, execute the fourth phase of lunar missions, and initiate planetary exploration projects. The goal is to validate between five to eight space science satellite missions while producing several original成果 with significant international impact.

– **Phase Two (2028-2035):** Continue the operation of the Chinese Space Station, validate missions for crewed lunar exploration, establish a lunar research station, conduct marginal solar system explorations, and more, with approximately 15 space science satellite missions planned to yield leading global results.

– **Phase Three (2036-2050):** Validate and implement over 30 space science missions, achieving world-leading advancements in key areas.

Ding emphasized that to ensure the successful implementation of this plan, China must leverage the advantages of its new model of national governance, strengthen organizational efforts, secure financial investments, build foundational capabilities, enhance international collaborations, promote scientific literacy, and continuously strive for substantial landmark achievements to support the country’s aspirations to become a powerhouse in space and technology.