US Media: Lunar Base Construction by Around 2040, China-US Moon Exploration Plans Accelerating
As China accelerates its lunar exploration program, the United States continues to strengthen its "return to the Moon" strategy, marking a new phase in global space exploration competition. Over the past five years, China has successfully completed the construction of the "Tiangong" space station and achieved missions such as sample return from the far side of the Moon. According to planning, China aims to achieve crewed lunar landing before 2030 and further explore the possibility of establishing long-term lunar habitation facilities around 2040.
The lunar south pole has become a focal point for both sides. Scientists believe this region may harbor water ice resources, which could be converted into fuel, oxygen, and drinking water—key supports for future lunar base construction. This year, China plans to advance the Chang’e-7 mission, consisting of an orbiter, lander, rover, and hopping probe, aiming to conduct water ice detection and analysis. Meanwhile, the United States is leveraging commercial aerospace companies to push forward lunar exploration, with plans to gradually restore crewed lunar landing capabilities through the "Artemis" program.
Analysis indicates that China and the US have different approaches to lunar exploration. China adopts a centralized advancement model with clearly defined goals, while the US relies more on private sector participation but faces challenges related to technology, funding, and project timelines. In the future, utilization of lunar resources, base construction, and international rule-making will become critical issues in space exploration. Despite increasing competition, experts from multiple countries also call for enhanced coordination and cooperation to jointly address the new challenges posed by deep-space exploration.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1872880079011852/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) alone.