On October 15, at a press conference held by the State Council Information Office in Beijing, Academician Ding Chibiao, Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, emphasized the nascent state of China’s space science research. He described it as a critical area that must be developed to advance China’s journey toward becoming a space powerhouse.
During the event, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the China National Space Administration, and the China Manned Space Engineering Office jointly unveiled China’s first national medium- and long-term development plan for space science, titled “National Medium- and Long-term Development Plan for Space Science (2024-2050).” When asked about the significance of releasing this space science plan for China’s ambitions in space and technology, Ding articulated its importance from three perspectives.
Firstly, he noted that space science is an essential component of space activities. Space endeavors can be broadly categorized into three areas: space science, space technology, and space applications. These areas are interdependent and closely related. Among them, space science serves as the foundation and frontier, driving advancements in space technology while expanding humanity’s understanding of the universe.
Secondly, Ding highlighted that China’s space science research is still in its early stages and represents a critical gap that needs to be filled on the path to becoming a powerful presence in space. Over the last decade, China has focused on the comprehensive development of space science, technology, and applications. While significant breakthroughs have been made in space technology and some areas are now among the best in the world, there remains a relative scarcity of space science satellites and major achievements when compared to leading space nations.
Thirdly, the establishment of a medium- and long-term development plan for space science will help China better set targets and coordinate efforts in this field. Ding pointed out that major space-faring nations have been formulating national space science plans since the 1960s. The “National Medium- and Long-term Development Plan for Space Science (2024-2050)” serves as a foundational guideline for China’s future space science research, aiding in the alignment of domestic research capabilities, the prioritization of major scientific missions, and the enhancement of international collaboration. This plan aims to enable China to achieve significant scientific breakthroughs in areas where it has strengths, thus contributing valuable knowledge and innovative solutions to the global community.
