On October 15, a press conference was held by the State Council Information Office where a joint report titled “National Mid- to Long-Term Development Plan for Space Science (2024-2050)” was released by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the National Space Administration, and the China Manned Space Engineering Office.

Ding Chibiao, an academician and Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, emphasized the key points of the plan during the conference.

First and foremost, the plan outlines the overarching goal for China’s space science development. The primary objective is to systematically lay out and implement national space science missions, enhance foundational research driven by these missions, cultivate a high-level talent pool in space science, and consistently achieve significant, internationally impactful original accomplishments. The aim is to facilitate high-quality development in space science, positioning China among global leaders and transforming it into a powerhouse in the field.

The plan also identifies five major scientific themes and 17 priority development directions where breakthroughs are anticipated.

Theme 1 is “Extreme Cosmos,” focusing on exploring the origins and evolution of the universe while uncovering physical laws under extreme cosmic conditions. Priority directions under this theme include dark matter and extreme cosmos, cosmic origins and evolution, and baryonic matter detection in the universe.

Theme 2, “Ripples in Spacetime,” emphasizes the detection of medium- to low-frequency gravitational waves and primordial gravitational waves, seeking to reveal the essence of gravity and spacetime. The priority development direction here is spatial gravitational wave detection.

Theme 3, “Earth-Sun Panorama,” aims to explore the Earth, the sun, and the heliosphere, revealing the complex systems of the Earth and the sun, and the physical processes that connect them. Priority directions include Earth’s circulation system, integrated observations of the Earth-Moon system, space weather detection, comprehensive solar observation, and heliosphere exploration.

Theme 4 is “Habitable Planets,” focusing on assessing the habitability of celestial bodies in the solar system and exoplanets, as well as searching for extraterrestrial life. Key directions for development include sustainable development, solar system archeology, characterization of planetary layers, extraterrestrial life exploration, and exoplanet detection.

Finally, Theme 5, “Cosmic Substance,” aims to reveal the laws of material movement and biological activity in space conditions, deepening our understanding of fundamental physics, including quantum mechanics and general relativity. Priority directions include microgravity science, the intersection of quantum mechanics with general relativity, and space life sciences.

The plan sets forth a roadmap for the development of space science in China through to 2050. The first phase, lasting until 2027, focuses on operating the Chinese space station, conducting crewed lunar exploration, progressing with the fourth phase of the lunar program, and launching planetary exploration missions. It aims to define 5 to 8 space science satellite missions that will yield several major internationally recognized original achievements.

During the second phase, from 2028 to 2035, the operation of the Chinese space station will continue, with scientific missions such as crewed lunar exploration and the international lunar research station being validated. About 15 space science satellite missions are planned, targeting notable original contributions that rank among the world’s best.

In the third phase, spanning 2036 to 2050, over 30 space science missions will be validated and implemented, aiming for leading positions in key areas globally.

Lastly, to ensure the successful execution of this plan, Ding emphasized the importance of adhering to comprehensive party leadership and harnessing the advantages of a new type of nationwide system. This involves strengthening organizational implementation, securing financial investment, enhancing foundational capabilities, deepening international collaboration, promoting scientific outreach, and continuously driving significant landmark achievements to robustly support the establishment of a strong aerospace nation and a technological powerhouse.