It wasn’t just NASA going all-in on space in 2021. China’s space agency was similarly focused on getting off this rock. Nothing’s changed. According to a new white paper from the country, its ambitions are here to stay.
China’s State Council Information Office, in its white paper titled “China’s Space Program: A 2021 Perspective”, offers a recap of the country’s activity over the last year. But, more importantly, it has a whole lot of information on where they’re heading. The destination? Space. The final frontier.
China just needs a little space
China’s plans are extensive, covering everything from satellite deployment to manned missions and lunar bases. The first thing being worked on is the country’s launch capability. Specifically, there will be the development of better heavy launch vehicles, new engines, and combined cycle propulsion systems. The idea is to get into space and back again more effectively.
Satellite coverage is another prime target for improvement. It intends to “integrate remote-sensing, communications, navigation, and positioning satellite technologies,” by way of upgrades. Everything from spatial information services to the development of dual-antenna X-band interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) is on the cards. The point is to keep a more watching eye on most aspects of the planet, from satellite navigation to the state of the ocean and carbon buildup.
Manned orbital missions will continue as planned. China intends to complete the Tiangong space station. It’ll then install a space lab and institute long-term astronaut programs. There are also plans afoot for developing manned lunar landing capability, and more advanced manned craft in general.
Several lunar probes are on the calendar for the next five years. China will send two missions to the moon’s polar regions while working on a third. An international lunar research station (which seems to be manned) is in the works but probably won’t leave the planning stages in the next five years. Exploration of Mars and the Jupiter area are also targets for China. Closer to home, smarter spacecraft are in development. The country also hopes to address space debris — which is turning into quite a problem at present.