China is taking significant strides in advancing lunar exploration by welcoming new global partners to its ambitious International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) initiative. During a two-day space forum in Tunxi, the eastern Chinese Anhui Province, China's space agency signed a cooperation agreement with Senegal, marking a key milestone in expanding the ILRS's collaborative network.
Additionally, the Deep Space Exploration Lab of China inked memoranda of understanding with ten organizations from various countries, including Serbia, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Panama, and South Africa. This expansion underscores China's commitment to fostering international cooperation in space exploration.
Initiated in 2017, the ILRS aims to establish a comprehensive lunar research facility featuring a surface base, orbital stations, and Earth-based components. Designed for long-term autonomous operation with the potential for short-term human presence, the ILRS is envisioned to be both expandable and sustainable. To date, 17 countries and over 40 institutions have joined this groundbreaking project, reflecting widespread interest and support.
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China's lunar research station initiative welcomes new global partners
cgtn.com
