Global cooperation launchpad for lunar exploration

Editor's note: China's aerospace sector, especially its lunar exploration program, has made rapid progress in recent years. Yang Yuguang, chair of the International Astronautical Federation's Space Transportation Committee, spoke to China.com.cn about China's achievements and the importance of international cooperation in lunar exploration. Below are excerpts of the interview. The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.

China is a reliable partner in international lunar exploration, and that reliability is rooted largely in its sound technologies. Through the lunar missions from Chang'e-1 to Chang'e-6, the country has mastered exploration technologies of lunar orbiting, landing and sample return. These capabilities are essential for lunar exploration activities and will enable China to carry international payloads in future lunar missions.

China has a long history of international cooperation in outer space. For example, the resource satellites jointly developed by China and Brazil have been hailed as a model of South-South cooperation. International cooperation has been embedded in China's lunar exploration program from the very beginning. Deep-space tracking, telemetry and command communications depend on extensive support from ground stations. As China's territory cannot always face the moon, it needs assistance from stations located in other countries.

Throughout the orbiting, landing and sample return stages of the lunar exploration program, the missions from China carried experimental payloads from various countries.

Some lunar samples retrieved by Chang'e-5 and Chang'e-6 were given as State gifts to visiting heads of state from other countries. These samples given by China to other countries for scientific research are expected to yield valuable outcomes.

Scientists from both China and other countries can apply for access to lunar soil and rock samples brought back by Chang'e-5 and Chang'e-6. These samples will help scientists worldwide deepen their understanding of the evolution and history of the moon.

China is scheduled to launch the Chang'e-7 probe this year. Together with the subsequent Chang'e-8 probe, it will help form the basic model of the International Lunar Research Station. China is making a major contribution to the construction of the station, which will be built in the South Pole region of the moon. International payloads can be carried to the station by probes from both China and other countries to become part of the station.

Lunar exploration is no longer an endeavor reserved solely for national space agencies. Many commercial enterprises are now able to participate in it. Nevertheless, lunar exploration remains a megaproject that requires huge investments and a long period of time. Through international cooperation, participants can share the financial burden, making it easier to secure government support.

China has made extensive efforts to promote international cooperation in lunar and deep-space exploration. The country will remain committed to such cooperation in the future as well.

The formulation of common standards will be crucial for advancing international cooperation, especially in technological areas. Effective cooperation needs a shared "language". Without unified specifications for electrical, mechanical, signal and other interfaces, international cooperation will become too complicated to carry out. China is also beginning to formulate international standards in the field of aerospace.