Looking ahead, China has several ambitious missions planned for the next decade. Starting with 2024, let's look at some major and challenging space exploration programs.
A major highlight is the Chang'e-6 mission, scheduled later this year. The goal is to bring back samples from the far side of the moon, a never-before accomplished feat.
The Chang'e-6 will also see notable international collaboration, as it will carry scientific instruments from foreign countries like France on its lander. The news outlet Space Daily said this level of international participation highlights the global interest in lunar exploration and the growing recognition of China's capabilities in space missions.
The China Manned Space Agency has already announced that there will be four manned space missions this year: the cargo crafts Tianzhou-7 and Tianzhou-8 will be launched, as well as the manned spaceships Shenzhou-18 and Shenzhou-19. The upgraded Tianzhou-7, sent to Tiangong in January, marked China's first space station mission in 2024.
As more missions follow, they will not only enhance our understanding of space but also foster international collaboration, representing a significant step forward in the collective pursuit of exploring the final frontier.