China seeks int’l co-op to boost Moon research

BEIJING: China will invite more scientists around the world to join in moon research in a bid to achieve more scientific results, according to an official from the China National Space Administration (CNSA).
China will solicit cooperation proposals extensively per the regulations on the management of lunar samples and data, said Wu Yanhua, Vice Administrator of the CNSA, on December 17 at a press conference in Beijing.
In the Chang’e-5 mission, China coordinated and cooperated with countries and international organizations, including the European Space Agency, Argentina, Namibia, and Pakistan, in space tracking and control, Wu added.
Wu said China would implement multiple space missions, including Chang’e-6, Chang’e-7, Chang’e-8, asteroid exploration, Mars sampling returns, and Jupiter explorations in the future.
“China is willing to cooperate with relevant countries and international organizations to deliberate the basic capabilities for the initial construction of a lunar research station and test key technologies,” Wu said.
Xu Hongliang, a spokesperson from the CNSA, said scientists in many countries expressed their willingness to carry out moon research together as the samples brought back by Chang’e-5 are the world’s freshest lunar samples in 44 years.
– The Daily Mail-Global Times News exchange item