China announces manned lunar mission and plans for moon research station

China has announced plans for a manned lunar mission and the construction of an international research station on the moon. This initiative aims to explore extraterrestrial life and the origins of the universe, marking a significant step in China's space ambitions. The program will unfold in three phases from 2024 to 2050. The first phase, set to be completed by 2027, focuses on manned lunar exploration and planetary missions. The second phase, from 2028 to 2035, will involve building the lunar research station. China has signed agreements with 17 countries for international collaboration on these projects. This development comes as the U.S. also plans to return astronauts to the moon, highlighting the competitive landscape in space exploration.