China unveils Space Science Roadmap for 2024-2050

China has launched its first-ever national mid- and long-term space science development programme, outlining the country’s space exploration and research plans from 2024 to 2050. Announced jointly by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), the China National Space Administration (CNSA), and the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), this programme sets a strategic direction for China's space ambitions, focusing on 17 key areas within five major scientific themes and featuring a three-stage roadmap. This is reported by Xinhua News Agency, a partner of TV BRICS.

The five key scientific themes include the study of the Extreme Universe, which will investigate the origin and evolution of the universe, uncovering the physical laws governing extreme cosmic conditions. This area will prioritise dark matter research and the detection of cosmic baryon matter. 

The second theme, Space-Time Ripple, focusses on detecting medium- and low-frequency gravitational waves, including primordial gravitational waves, to better understand the nature of gravity and space-time. The Sun-Earth Panorama theme aims to explore the interactions within the Sun-Earth system, concentrating on Earth’s cycle systems, the Earth-Moon environment, space weather, and solar observation.

China's space scientists will also explore the habitability of celestial bodies and exoplanets through the Habitable Planets theme, searching for extraterrestrial life and studying planetary atmospheres. Key research areas include the evolution of the Solar System, the detection of exoplanets, and the search for signs of alien life. Lastly, the Biological and Physical Sciences in Space theme seeks to unravel the laws of matter and life in space environments, with research focussing on microgravity, quantum mechanics, and space biology.

The programme’s roadmap is divided into three phases and will launch more than 30 space science missions.

Photo: iStock