China Unveils 2024-2050 Space Science Plan Aiming for Global Leadership

Oct 15, 2024, 06:29 AM

China has unveiled a national mid- and long-term development program for space science on October 15, outlining its ambitious plans from 2024 to 2050. Released by the China National Space Administration, the program aims to guide the country's planning of space science missions and research over the next few decades. Key focuses include exploring the habitability of solar system bodies and exoplanets, searching for extraterrestrial life, and conducting in-depth lunar and Mars studies. The plan outlines 17 priority areas under five key scientific themes and a three-phase roadmap—summarized as 'five themes, three stages'—aiming to propel China to become a global leader in space science by 2050.