China opens the doors of its lunar base to the world
Amman3 min read
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China seeks to expand international cooperation in its ambitious project to establish an International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), inviting more countries to participate in building an advanced research base that paves the way for a new phase of space exploration.
Chinese astronaut Yang Liwei announced during an international astronautics conference held in Antalya that the Chinese space station will be transformed into an international scientific platform, allowing scientists from all over the world to conduct space research and experiments, according to the Chinese news agency "Xinhua".
In a move reflecting the expansion of space cooperation, China is preparing to send its first foreign astronaut to its station during the second half of this year. The astronaut will be one of the two Pakistani candidates training within the Chinese program, on a short mission as a specialist in scientific equipment.
An ambitious project with Russian participation
Russia is considered one of the most prominent partners in the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) project, as its participation began in 2021. "Roscosmos" and the China National Space Administration signed cooperation agreements on the project before Russia ratified the intergovernmental agreement in 2024.
Russia also plans to build a lunar nuclear power plant by 2036, with the aim of providing the energy necessary to operate the infrastructure of the future base.
What will the lunar station offer?
The project aims to establish an advanced research facility on the lunar surface and in its orbit to conduct scientific studies, including:
Lunar geology: Studying the composition and history of its surface.
Astronomical observation: Exploring the universe from the lunar environment.
Space monitoring: Studying the space environment between the Sun, Earth, and the Moon.
Basic sciences: Carrying out scientific experiments in the unique conditions of the Moon.
In-situ resource utilization: Developing technologies to utilize resources available on the lunar surface.
A timeline extending to 2045
The plan is being implemented in two main phases; the first aims to complete the basic model of the station by 2035 in the lunar South Pole region, with the "Chang'e-7" and "Chang'e-8" missions contributing to preparing the necessary infrastructure.
As for the second phase, it is scheduled to extend until 2045, to expand the facility and transform it into an integrated center for scientific research and the development of lunar resources.
Broad international participation
China seeks to make the project an initiative open to the global scientific community. According to data in the report, as of April 2025, about 17 countries and international organizations have joined, alongside more than 50 research institutions.
Beijing aspires to attract 50 countries, 500 research institutions, and 5,000 scientists to participate in the project, which is expected to provide Earth-Moon transport systems, power supplies, communications, and navigation, as well as the capability to conduct research independently for long periods, with intermittent human support.
With this project, China is betting on transforming the Moon into an international scientific hub, paving the way for deeper space exploration and the utilization of its resources over the coming decades.
