April 12 marks the International Day of Human Space Flight, commemorating Yuri Gagarin's historic journey as the first human in space back in 1961. Today, the moon stands as the hottest destination for space exploration, with multiple nations racing to make their mark.
China's Ambitious Chang'e Program
China continues to lead with its Chang'e program, named after the moon goddess in Chinese mythology. In 2020, the fifth mission, Chang'e-5, successfully returned lunar samples to Earth after a 40-year hiatus. Building on this success, China launched the Queqiao-2 satellite to support the upcoming Chang'e-6 mission, setting the stage for a manned lunar landing by 2030. Additionally, plans are underway to establish an international lunar scientific research station at the moon's south pole.
USA's Artemis Program Takes Flight
The United States is gearing up for a grand return to the moon with its Artemis program. Following a successful first phase that saw a probe orbit the moon and return, NASA is preparing a manned mission slated for September 2025. This mission will involve four astronauts performing a lunar flyby, with two set to land on the moon in 2026. Furthermore, the Lunar Gateway space station is expected to begin assembly in moon orbit by 2028, serving as a hub for future deep space exploration.
Russia's Renewed Lunar Efforts
Despite setbacks like the Luna-25 probe crashing onto the moon in August 2023, Russia remains committed to lunar exploration. Collaborating with China and the European Space Agency (ESA), Russia aims to develop a joint lunar research station, although ESA's own Heracles mission has been superseded.
India and Japan Join the Lunar Race
India's Chandrayaan-3 mission in 2023 successfully deployed a lander-rover combo on the moon, with ambitions to send astronauts by 2040. Meanwhile, Japan's Smart Lander for Investigating Moon aims to make history as the fifth country to reach the moon in 2024. Despite a rocky touchdown, the probe has resumed its mission, signaling resilience and determination.
The Future of Lunar Exploration
As nations across the globe invest in lunar missions, the moon is set to become a bustling hub of scientific discovery and international collaboration. The International Day of Human Space Flight not only celebrates past achievements but also inspires the next generation of explorers to reach for the stars.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
