Aerospace Exhibition and Upcoming Space Missions Mark Space Day in China

On April 23, 2024, a woman captures moments at an aerospace exhibition in Wuhan, Hubei Province, as part of the celebrations for Space Day in China. This exhibition highlights significant achievements and public understanding of the aerospace sector, allowing visitors to gain insight into recent advancements in China's space exploration. The exhibition is open to the public starting Wednesday afternoon, with the aerospace achievements area available until April 27, while the science popularization zone will remain open until May 5.

The China National Space Administration (CNSA) has revealed plans for ambitious space missions, with the Tianwen-2 asteroid exploration set to take place in 2025. Liu Yunfeng, the deputy director of the CNSA's system engineering department, announced that this mission will involve a flyby and sampling of an asteroid. Furthermore, the crewed spacecraft Shenzhou-20 and Shenzhou-21 are also expected to launch within the year. Liu also discussed collaborative international projects, including the China-Europe joint mission known as SMILE, which aims to explore the relationship between solar winds and the Earth's magnetosphere, and a satellite developed in partnership with Italy designed to aid in earthquake prediction research.

China is committed to enhancing space cooperation with nations involved in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), as well as with BRICS countries and European partners. The focus lies on collaborative efforts in lunar and deep space exploration, particularly in building an international lunar research station. Under the BRICS initiative, China plans to enhance the BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation, which will improve sharing data for disaster emergencies. Additionally, China aims to provide satellite services to countries affiliated with the BRI, contributing to advancements in agriculture, disaster management, and smart city developments. Liu also highlighted the events set for the 10th Space Day of China, occurring on April 24 in Shanghai, which will include an opening ceremony, science exhibitions, cultural forums, and academic conferences.