China’s space ambitions

China’s space program has rapidly evolved into one of the most ambitious and advanced in the world, competing with NASA and Russia’s Roscosmos. Over the past two decades, China has significantly expanded its presence in outer space with increasingly complex missions, highlighting its determination to become a global leader in space exploration. From successful lunar landings to Mars exploration, China is making major strides that could define the future of space activities, with long-term goals including establishing lunar bases and continuing deep space research.

China’s space journey began in 1970 when it launched its first satellite, Dong Fang Hong 1, making it the fifth nation to do so. This early milestone paved the way for greater achievements, particularly in the 21st century when China’s space program gained momentum. The country’s first manned mission, Shenzhou 5, in 2003, positioned China as only the third nation capable of independently sending humans into space. While these accomplishments were remarkable, China’s true breakthroughs came in the following years, as it focused more on complex missions that required advanced technology and planning, particularly in lunar exploration.

Central to China’s space ambitions is its lunar program, which began with the Chang’e series of missions. The program’s most notable achievement came in 2019, when the Chang’e 4 mission became the first spacecraft to land on the far side of the moon, an accomplishment that underscored China’s growing expertise in space exploration. This success was followed by the Chang’e 5 mission in 2020, which brought back lunar samples to Earth for the first time in over four decades. Gathering around 1.7 kilograms of lunar soil, this mission not only demonstrated China’s technological prowess but also reaffirmed its commitment to advancing space science.

As China strengthens its presence on the moon, its ambitions have grown beyond exploration. The country has set its sights on establishing a permanent lunar base by the 2030s, a vision shared with Russia. This International Lunar Research Station is expected to begin with robotic exploration, eventually evolving into a manned outpost. If realised, this project would mark a significant milestone in human space exploration, as it could serve as a springboard for further missions into deep space, including Mars.

While China’s lunar achievements have garnered much attention, its Mars exploration efforts have been equally impressive. In July 2020, China launched its first interplanetary mission, Tianwen-1, which consisted of an orbiter, lander, and rover-a combination never before attempted by a single country in its first Mars mission. When Tianwen-1 entered Martian orbit in February 2021 and successfully deployed the Zhurong rover in May, China became the third country, after the United States and the Soviet Union, to land on Mars. The Zhurong rover has since been exploring the Martian surface, analysing its topography and atmospheric conditions, showcasing China’s growing capabilities in planetary science.

Building on these successes, China’s long-term plans for Mars and the moon are set to reshape the future of space exploration. Not only is the country aiming for a follow-up mission to bring back samples from Mars, but it also intends to expand its lunar exploration efforts. In collaboration with Russia, China plans to continue developing its lunar base, which will serve as a hub for scientific research and potentially resource extraction. Despite China’s rapid progress in space exploration, it faces significant challenges, particularly the high financial costs, with its space budget still trailing behind NASA’s. Additionally, China’s integration of military and civilian space technology has raised international concerns, especially in the U.S. Nonetheless, China remains determined, forging new global partnerships, including its collaboration with Russia on a lunar base project.

With its eyes set firmly on both the moon and Mars, China’s space program is reshaping the global landscape of space exploration. The Tiangong space station, which began assembly in 2021 and is expected to be fully operational by 2023, further exemplifies China’s goal to establish a permanent human presence in space. As the International Space Station nears the end of its life, Tiangong could become the focal point of human activity in low-Earth orbit.

With successful Chang’e lunar missions and the Tianwen-1 Mars mission, China is competing with established space powers. Its plans for lunar bases and further Mars exploration highlight its growing leadership. Whether it is on the moon or Mars, China’s ambitions will have lasting implications for the entire space community.