Lunar research station advances global collaboration and talent development

Lunar research station advances global collaboration and talent development
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Dec 04, 2024

The International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), led by China in collaboration with multiple nations, is positioning itself as a hub for technological innovation, scientific exploration, and the development of skilled professionals in space-related disciplines, a United Nations-affiliated official stated.

China has been at the forefront of fostering international talent through its ILRS initiative, leveraging a robust education infrastructure established at top universities. According to Jing Guifei, deputy director of the Regional Center for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific (RCSSTEAP), affiliated with the UN, these universities have created advanced education systems featuring prominent faculties, cutting-edge curricula, and innovative research opportunities.

Jing explained that over the next decade, RCSSTEAP will utilize these resources to provide international training programs for ILRS participant nations and organizations. Speaking at a conference marking RCSSTEAP's 10th anniversary, Jing outlined plans to expand educational outreach using the expertise of institutions such as Beihang University, University of Science and Technology of China, and Northwestern Polytechnical University.

"Through the close integration of theory and practice, we aim to cultivate high-end engineering, scientific, and management talents capable of leading future deep space exploration and technology development for all participating countries," Jing said.

Since its inception, RCSSTEAP, hosted by Beihang University, has trained 395 master's and doctoral students from 33 countries and conducted over 30 short-term courses for more than 2,000 participants across 70 nations. The educational programs span disciplines such as space engineering, lunar science, and project management.

Highlighting the ILRS's ambitious vision, Ling Fei, deputy director of the Deep Space Exploration Laboratory (DSEL), described the station as an adaptable system designed for long-term robotic operation and short-term human missions. Meanwhile, Wu Yanhua, chief designer of China's Major Deep Space Exploration Project, emphasized that the ILRS's cooperative framework aims to include partnerships with 50 countries and international organizations and foster collaboration among 500 research entities, engaging over 5,000 international scientists and engineers.

Engineer Doctor Seyi Festus Olatoyinbo of the African Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education expressed enthusiasm for China's leadership in lunar research. "We can bring in experts to join the programs and train the younger generation about what lunar research is going to involve. I am very excited to partner with China on education and training endeavors," he said.

Similarly, Driss El Hadani, deputy director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), commended the initiative, saying, "The regional center in China is offering a new and outstanding opportunity to all member states to develop their capacity in the field of lunar activities. The regional center aligns with UNOOSA's strategy of supporting and fostering cooperation among all actors."

Future ILRS missions, such as Chang'e 7 and Chang'e 8, further solidify China's commitment to advancing lunar exploration. The Chang'e 7 mission, slated for 2026, will survey the lunar south pole, while Chang'e 8, set for launch in 2028, will focus on lunar resource utilization. Together, these missions will establish the foundational model of the ILRS by 2035.

"With the principles of equality and mutual benefit, peaceful use, and win-win cooperation, we welcome all countries to participate in the ILRS program, share the achievements, jointly improve outer space governance, and promote aerospace science and technology achievements to better benefit all mankind," Hu Zhaobin, deputy director of the DSEL, remarked.

China's ongoing efforts to integrate international contributions into the Chang'e program include accommodating six international scientific instruments on Chang'e 7 and offering 200 kilograms of payload capacity for Chang'e 8.

Research Report:International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) Guide for Partnership