China's lunar exploration program will carry out two more launch missions to lay the groundwork for the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), with the first launch expected to take place as early as 2026, announced the China National Space Administration (CNSA) on Tuesday.

中国国家航天局近日宣布，中国月球探测计划将有两次发射任务，为国际月球科研站打基础。第一次发射预计于2026年进行。

According to the plan, China will launch the Chang'e-7 mission in 2026 and the Chang'e-8 mission around 2028, China Central Television (CCTV) reported on Tuesday.

按计划，我国在2026年将发射嫦娥七号，2028年前后将发射嫦娥八号。

Chang'e-7 will survey the environment and resources of the lunar South Pole, while the Chang'e-8 mission will focus on validating technologies for in-situ resource utilization on the moon, laying the foundation for the future construction of the ILRS, which is expected to be established by around 2035, said Bian Zhigang, deputy director of the CNSA.

国家航天局副局长卞志刚表示，嫦娥七号是对月球南极的环境和资源进行勘测，嫦娥八号是要验证月球资源的就地利用技术，也要为后面的月球科研站的建设奠定一个基础。在2035年前后，要建设月球科研站的基本型。

The construction of the ILRS, jointly initiated by China and Russia, will be divided into two phases.

由中国和俄罗斯共同发起的月球科研站建设将分为两个阶段。

In the first phase, a basic model of the station will be established at the lunar South Pole region, capable of conducting scientific operations within a radius of 100 kilometers. This phase will utilize an integrated information network between the Earth and the moon to enable interconnectivity and interoperability among various missions, including unmanned lunar exploration, manned lunar landings, and international cooperation. This phase will feature a comprehensive lunar research platform with essential functions.

第一阶段是基本型建设，将以月球南极区域为中心，具备百公里范围的科研作业能力。通过地月一体化信息网络，实现无人探月、载人登月、国际合作等多任务间互联互通互操作，形成功能和要素基本齐备的月基综合性科研平台。

The second phase will focus on expanding the station's capabilities, with the goal of establishing a comprehensive lunar station network by 2050. This network will be centered around the lunar South Pole station, with a lunar orbital station as the hub, and exploration nodes at the lunar equator and the far side of the moon. The station will have a large-scale, multifunctional research platform that operates continuously with long-term unmanned and short-term manned missions.

第二阶段是拓展型建设，将在2050年前，建成以月球轨道站为枢纽，以月球南极站为中心，以月球赤道、月球背面为探测节点的月球综合站网，形成长期无人、短期有人、功能完善、持续稳定运行的大型综合科研平台。

As for whether it will be possible to access the internet or live on the moon, Guan Feng, deputy director of the CNSA Lunar Exploration and Aerospace Engineering Center, revealed that the Chang'e-8 mission will consider communication capabilities.

国家航天局探月与航天工程中心主任关锋指出，嫦娥八号要考虑通信的能力，在月球上肯定会有无线网、能源。

"There will definitely be wireless networks and energy on the moon, and scientists are still researching the feasibility of growing vegetables there, an area where the Chang'e-8 mission may conduct scientific studies," Guan said.

他补充，至于月球上能不能种菜，科学家们还在研究，嫦娥八号有可能会搞这方面的科学研究。

Source:Global Times

Editor:ChenDawei

Senior Editor:PangBo