INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
(Analysis) China has revealed a grand plan to become a world leader in space science by 2050
The plan lays out a three-stage approach to reach its ambitious goals.The program focuses on five main scientific themes
These include the extreme universe, space-time ripples, and a panoramic view of Sun-Earth interactions.It also covers habitable planets and
biological and physical sciences in space
Within these themes, China has pinpointed 17 priority areas for development.These priority areas cover a wide range of exciting scientific
They include research into dark matter and the detection of gravitational waves.The plan also emphasizes exploring exoplanets and searching
for signs of life beyond Earth
The first phase, from 2024 to 2027, will focus on space station operations
It will also include crewed lunar exploration and the launch of several new space science satellites.The second phase, spanning 2028 to
2035, will see the construction of the International Lunar Research Station
During this second phase, China plans to launch about 15 scientific satellite missions.The final phase from 2036 to 2050 is the most
It aims to launch over 30 space science missions
grown significantly in recent years
It increased from $2 billion in 2022 to $14 billion in 2023
However, this is still much less than what the United States spends on space.The U.S
invested an estimated $73 billion in space activities in 2023
approximately $29 billion allocated to the U.S
This is about $1 billion less than the $30 billion initially requested.The United States remains the leader in space exploration
It has ongoing projects like the James Webb Space Telescope
is also planning crewed missions to Mars.Europe, through the European Space Agency, collaborates with various nations on ambitious space
Russia is working closely with China on space initiatives.They are collaborating on projects like the International Lunar Research Station
2050 is ambitious but challenging
The country has made great strides in recent years
It has launched its own space station and brought back samples from the far side of the moon.Key Questions for the FutureYet, China still
trails the United States in overall capabilities and funding
The funding gap with the United States is significant.China will need to make major scientific and engineering breakthroughs in complex
some advanced space-faring nations
China attract and keep top scientific talent to achieve its goals? How will global politics affect international teamwork in space
They will determine whether China can achieve its goal of becoming a world leader in space science by 2050.
