China plans to build its own Space Station on the Moon, start colonising other planets by 2050

China has announced ambitious plans to establish a lunar space station and explore the possibility of habitable planets as part of an expansive space programme set to unfold over the next few decades.

On Tuesday, Chinese space authorities laid out a roadmap stretching from 2024 to 2050, with a manned lunar mission expected in the near future. This marks a significant milestone in China’s space ambitions, aiming not only to deepen scientific knowledge but also to investigate the potential for life beyond Earth.

A lunar space station
According to Ding Chibiao, Vice President of the China Academy of Sciences (CAS), the construction of the lunar space station will happen in phases, with completion targeted between 2028 and 2035.

Once operational, the station will serve as a key base for scientific research and exploration missions across the solar system. Building on earlier successes such as the Tiangong space station and the Chang’e lunar missions, the new base will enable more in-depth studies of celestial bodies.

China’s previous lunar explorations have already gathered crucial insights into the Moon’s surface, setting the stage for these upcoming projects. With the station in place, scientists will be able to conduct experiments that contribute not only to our understanding of the Moon but also to the preparation for more advanced space ventures in the future.

Searching for life in outer space
Beyond lunar exploration, China is setting its sights on deeper space missions. The CAS and the China Manned Space Agency have outlined 17 key areas of research, including the search for exoplanets and investigations into the habitability of other celestial bodies.

The mission will focus on finding planets and atmospheres that could potentially support life, while also providing insights into the broader evolution of the universe.

Ding Chibiao highlighted the importance of studying the physical properties of planets and their atmospheres, as these findings could unlock new possibilities for future space colonisation. These missions will also play a crucial role in advancing our understanding of cosmic phenomena and the factors that influence planetary habitability.

Probing the origins of the universe
China’s long-term vision goes beyond lunar and planetary exploration. The programme includes broader investigations into cosmic mysteries, such as the origins of the universe, gravitational waves, and the nature of cosmic matter.

Researchers will also focus on the Sun’s behaviour and the Earth’s cyclical systems to enhance knowledge of space weather and the interactions between the Earth and its surrounding heliosphere.

With this ambitious agenda, China aims to position itself as a global leader in space science by 2050, contributing to humanity’s understanding of both Earth and the cosmos. These efforts could potentially reshape the landscape of space exploration, paving the way for future human settlements beyond our planet.