On January 23, 2004, China launched its program to explore the moon, which would later include orbiters, landers, and spacecraft that return samples, all utilizing the Long March rocket series. They plan to have human crews participating by 2030, as announced in July 2023. A major hurdle in moon exploration is ensuring all equipment can withstand temperature drops to -200 degrees Celsius (-328 degrees Fahrenheit) for 14-day durations, along with navigating deep craters that could hold water-ice and are always in shadow.
Exploring Power Solutions
NASA and the European Space Agency have looked into using lasers to supply energy to spacecraft on planetary surfaces since the 1990s, but they have not progressed beyond theoretical concepts. Now, China aims to thoroughly evaluate the practicality of laser wireless power transmission (LWPT). They plan to create the necessary technology if their research supports it and then begin practical tests.
Key Technologies in Focus
As reported by SpaceNews, “LWPT uses laser beams to transmit power wirelessly from orbiting satellites to surface receivers, converting light into electricity. The researchers recommend the development of key technologies, followed by on-orbit testing.” At this point, it remains uncertain which “key technologies” will be included in this initiative, aside from the evident high-power lasers for space and precision laser emission systems. Meanwhile, China is already working on transmitting power from space and testing a similar setup using the Tiangong space station.
Future Plans for Lunar Exploration
More information is available in a scientific paper authored by teams from various Chinese institutions, including the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) and Shandong Aerospace Electronics Technology Research Institute. By the end of this decade, China plans to build a lunar base called the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS). However, before the ILRS is operational, one or both of the two upcoming missions to the lunar south pole may also conduct LWPT tests. These missions are slated for 2026 and 2028. The last mission in the series occurred last year and successfully returned with soil samples from the moon’s far side.
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