Facts Nearly Everyone Gets Wrong About China’s Moon Missions: A Deep Dive into the Lunar Ambitions of a Rising Space Power

China is rapidly advancing its lunar program, aiming to establish a permanent presence on the Moon and outpace other nations in space exploration.

With ambitious plans for crewed landings and international collaboration, China is setting the stage for a new era in lunar exploration.

In this article, we will explore the facts surrounding China’s moon missions, debunk common misconceptions, and examine their implications for global space exploration.

Just two decades ago, China had no lunar program to speak of.

Today, it has become a global leader in robotic lunar exploration, boasting a flawless record of far-side landings, sample returns, and complex multi-module operations.

The Chang’e program, named after the Chinese moon goddess, has been pivotal in this transformation, laying the groundwork for future missions through a methodical and strategic approach.

Key Milestones in the Chang’e Program

Early Missions: Chang’e 1 and 2

Launched in 2007 and 2010, respectively, these orbiters were designed to map the lunar surface and gather essential data for future landings.They provided high-resolution maps and topographical information, crucial for precision landings.

Chang’e 3: The First Lunar Landing

In 2013, China achieved its first successful soft landing on the Moon with Chang’e 3, deploying the Yutu rover to explore the Mare Imbrium region.This marked a significant milestone in establishing China as a lunar power.

Chang’e 4: The Far-Side Landing

In 2019, Chang’e 4 made history by landing on the far side of the Moon, a feat never accomplished before.This mission utilized a relay satellite for communication and has provided valuable insights into this unexplored region.

Chang’e 5: Sample Return

In 2020, Chang’e 5 successfully returned lunar samples to Earth, marking the first such mission since the Soviet Luna 24 in 1976.The mission demonstrated China’s capability for complex maneuvers in lunar orbit and sample collection.

Chang’e 6: The Farside Sample Return

Scheduled for 2024, this mission aims to return samples from the lunar far side, further establishing China’s prowess in lunar exploration.

China’s lunar ambitions have raised concerns among U.S. officials, who fear that China could claim the Moon’s resources.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson has warned that China might establish a presence at the lunar south pole, an area rich in water ice and sunlight, potentially claiming it for itself.

This has led to comparisons between the current space race and the historical competition between the U.S. and the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

The lunar south pole is a focal point for both China and the U.S. due to its unique features.

Permanently shadowed craters in this region are believed to contain vast amounts of water ice, which can be converted into drinking water, oxygen, and hydrogen rocket fuel—essential resources for future deep-space missions.

Additionally, sunlit ridges provide a reliable source of solar power, making the area ideal for establishing a lunar base.

Future Missions: Chang’e 7 and 8

Chang’e 7 (2026)

This mission aims to explore the lunar south pole, focusing on confirming the presence of water ice and characterizing its potential for extraction.It will deploy a variety of robotic explorers, including a rover and a hopping probe capable of accessing permanently shadowed craters.

Chang’e 8 (2028)

Chang’e 8 will test in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) technologies, exploring the feasibility of building structures using lunar regolith.This mission will be instrumental in laying the groundwork for a permanent human presence on the Moon.

China is not just focused on robotic exploration; it is also preparing for crewed lunar landings.

By the end of the decade, China aims to land astronauts on the Moon, potentially before NASA or SpaceX.

The Long March rocket series, specifically the Long March 10, is being developed to support these missions, alongside a next-generation spacecraft designed for deep-space travel.

In preparation for its lunar ambitions, China has expanded its astronaut corps, training new recruits in lunar geology, surface operations, and advanced robotics.

This ensures that when the time comes for human exploration, China will have a skilled team ready to tackle the challenges of the lunar environment.

China’s lunar program is advancing rapidly and methodically, positioning the country as a leader in space exploration.

With a clear roadmap laid out through the Chang’e missions, China is on track to establish a permanent presence on the Moon, potentially reshaping the future of lunar governance and resource utilization.

As the space race intensifies, the implications of China’s ambitions extend beyond national boundaries, inviting collaboration and competition among nations.

As we look to the stars, it is crucial to understand the dynamics of this new era in space exploration.

China’s lunar missions represent not just a technological achievement but a significant geopolitical shift that will influence humanity’s future in space.