Li Guoping, the chief engineer for the China National Space Administration (CNSA), speaking at the International Astronautical Congress on Oct.14 laid out China’s future perspective in space. It was notable that the head of CNSA did not give this presentation, and may not even be present for this year’s event. Next year will be the launch of China’s Chang’e-7 which will seek ice on the South Pole of the Moon, Li said. In 2028, Chang’e-8 will also head to the lunar South Pole with new payloads, including international payloads. By 2030 there will be Chinese taikonauts on the Moon, preparing the basis for the lunar research station.
Li also noted CNSA missions to other planets, including a 2025 mission to an asteroid. In 2028, Tianwen-3 will be launched for a Mars landing mission, which will even have room for international payloads. Then in 2030, Tianwen-4 will be launched to Jupiter. By that time, Li indicated, China would be working with reusable launchers.
