China Establishes Deep Space Exploration Laboratory
China has set up its first deep space exploration laboratory in order to better carry out the exploration and research on space technologies, according to Wu Weiren, the chief designer of China’s Lunar Exploration Program. In an interview with China Media Group on Thursday, he said that the laboratory is located in Anhui Province and is a new R&D institution aiming to integrate science, technology and engineering.
Wu Weiren mentioned that the new laboratory will involve itself in the development of the major projects in China’s deep space exploration program. It will carry out all kinds of advanced, basic and strategic research in the deep space field. In addition, the laboratory will work to demonstrate new areas of expertise while forming a foundation to conduct in-depth exploration on select deep space projects. The laboratory will also suggest plans for implementation for the new technologies researched and developed.
In addition to scientific research, the deep space exploration laboratory will become a platform for bringing together international talent. Through the joint efforts of scientific and technological experts all over the world, China aims to develop space peacefully and provide help for the development of mankind.
SEE ALSO: Chinese Space Program Launches Zhongxing-2E Satellite from Xichang Facility in Sichuan Province
Last year, China successfully completed the Tianwen-1 interplanetary mission, and the Zhurong rover successfully landed on the surface of Mars to explore that planet, one of the first steps in the country’s deep space exploration efforts. Wu Weiren said that in the future, China will plan a number of Tianwen-series planetary exploration missions to explore further into the depths of space.
Wu Weiren added that one of the main tasks in the follow-up is to explore asteroids in far-reaching areas and collect samples from them. After conducting sampling missions from asteroids, China plans to implement a Mars sampling program around 2030.
