The schedule has been decided. China hopes to return to the moon within 10 years. These are the words of Zhang Kejian, director of the China National Space Administration. In an interview with Xinhua News Agency on National Space Day (April 24), he laid out an aggressive and precise road map. target? A research station at the south pole of the moon and a corresponding human landing.
This is more than just a story. This is a declaration of intent. CNSA is strengthening its calendar focusing on two different areas. The Moon. And Mars.
Moon South Pole Strategy
The center of gravity is strongly tilted towards the south pole of the moon. Why is it there? Because there are resources. Water ice inside a permanently shadowed crater. A possible gateway to long-term exploration. China plans to establish a permanent research center in the region. This is not a fly-by. It is a stay.
Zhang confirmed that the timeline for a manned mission is about 10 years from the date of this announcement. This puts the target period in the mid to late 2030s. This reflects the sense of urgency in Washington, where President Trump has called on NASA to return humans to the moon by 2024 and Mars by 2033, The world is watching. And it’s a competition.
Chang’e-5 and sample return
The robots have to clear the way before the humans leave. In particular, you have to bring back dirt. Zhang confirmed that the Chang’e 5 mission is planned for late 2019. This is an important next step in Beijing’s robotic moon landing program.
The objectives of the assignment are simple, but technically demanding. The mission is to land, dig up lunar soil and rocks, and return to Earth. This follows the historic achievement of Chang’e 4, which landed on the far side of the Moon earlier this year. The landing was unprecedented. No country has ever operated a rover on the dark side of our satellite. Chang’e 5 changes the game by adding the return journey and changed the rules of the game. A visit turns into a collection.
Red Planet target: 2020
Although the Moon dominates the current discussion, Mars is still the ultimate prize. China’s “Red Planet” strategy still aims for 2020. This program is the first robotic mission. Probably a combination of Orbiter, Lander and Rover.
This puts China squarely in the crosshairs of the US-led space race. NASA’s goals on Mars have changed over the years, but its goals remain the same. China is not just following suit. it is positioning itself as a peer competitor. The 2020 window is tight. This requires a lunar sample return and planetary propulsion systems to function perfectly.
Bipolar space race
The dynamics are self-evident. The US and China no longer just cooperate or ignore each other. they compete. NASA is under pressure to meet the 2024 lunar landing date. CNSA is aiming for a manned landing between 2030 and 2035. Both powers are circling the same high ground.
For the South Pole of the Moon, this means a future divided. Or perhaps, eventually, shared. But for now, the race continues
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