China is planning to conduct a series of deep space exploration missions in the next 10 to 15 years, said an official at a press conference on Thursday.
Bian Zhigang, vice administrator of the China National Space Administration, said that in the future, China will focus on lunar exploration and planetary exploration.
"In terms of the lunar exploration, after the success of the Chang'e-6 mission, we will then launch Chang'e-7 and Chang'e-8 missions. The main task of the Chang'e-7 mission is to conduct a survey on resources in the South Pole region of the moon. The Chang'e-8 mission will carry out technical verification on the utilization of the moon's in-situ resources," said Bian.
China will also work with international counterparts to jointly build an international lunar research station to share and use the results of the lunar explorations, Bian added.
"In terms of the planetary exploration, the country has approved four planetary exploration missions which will be completed within the next 10-15 years. In the future, we will carry out missions to explore asteroids, conduct Mars sample return, and perform planetary system exploration, focusing on scientific objectives such as the origin and evolution of the solar system, the influence of small celestial bodies and solar activities on the Earth, as well as the detection of extraterrestrial life information," said Bian.
"China is scheduled to launch the Tianwen-2 mission around 2025 for asteroid exploration. It will target a near-Earth asteroid for close flyby and sample return. The Tianwen-3 mission will be carried out around 2030 to collect Martian samples and return with Mars samples. The Tianwen-4 mission will be launched also around 2030 to explore the Jovian system," Bian added.
China plans new deep space exploration missions
China plans new deep space exploration missions
China plans new deep space exploration missions
Central China's Henan Province has striven over the past more than ten years to build itself into a hinterland hub of reform and opening up through vigorous development of aviation logistics and cross-border trade, and with the adoption of a series of reform measures meant to improve the business environment.
In the provincial capital city of Zhengzhou, the Xinzheng International Airport has become the first in China to introduce an automated guided vehicle (AGV) smart application project. Acting on commands issued by the backstage, this groundbreaking project features 40 unmanned forklifts that effortlessly distribute goods to 1,284 standardized storage locations.
Within the sprawling 70,000-square-meter cargo terminal, a sophisticated intelligent system acts as the brain, automatically calculating the remaining storage capacity and providing early warnings for any potential irregularities in every corner. Beyond enhanced operational efficiency, the implementation of this intelligent system has also resulted in faster and more efficient outbound cargo shipments.
Notably, in May 2020, the Xinzheng International Airport became the sole pilot airport designated to operate air cargo e-freight in China on a trial basis.
The air cargo e-freight platform has revolutionized the industry by digitizing various air cargo documents and customs declarations. This seamless integration has created a comprehensive data chain, connecting foreign trade enterprises, freight forwarders, customs authorities and airlines within the aviation logistics operation chain.
Previously, the process of cargo security declarations used to involve cumbersome paperwork. But now, a single unified platform streamlines the procedure, eliminating the need for redundant submissions and multiple physical visits, effectively easing long-standing bottlenecks.
The adoption of such bold reform measures has significantly improved the business environment. Over 260 companies have already joined the e-freight platform, saving more than 1.5 million paper documents annually and increasing data transmission efficiency by over 20 percent.
As a result, the Xinzheng International Airport air cargo e-freight project was selected into the seventh batch of successful reform projects in China's national-level free trade zones, with plans for replication and nationwide promotion.
With over a decade of development, the Xinzheng International Airport has established more than 40 all-cargo routes, creating an extensive air cargo network that spans Europe, America and Asia, covering major global economic hubs.
Central China province strives to turn itself into hub of reform, opening up
