In a groundbreaking move, the Chinese Academy of Sciences is set to unveil a comprehensive long-term vision aimed at revolutionizing the country's contributions to space science! This ambitious roadmap is designed to fast-track China’s advancements in space exploration, building upon recent successes in dark matter research, quantum science, and space physics.

The upcoming plan, which is expected to be formally released soon, was outlined in a paper authored by Wang Chi, the director of the National Space Sciences Center (NSSC). It emphasizes the urgency of crafting a national strategy to elevate China’s status in the global space science arena.

Key Scientific Themes: What Will China Explore?

As part of the nation's strategic plan, five major scientific themes have been earmarked for exploration. These themes encapsulate the following areas:

1. Extreme Universe

Investigating dense celestial bodies, including black holes.

2. Space-Time Ripples

Exploring the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy.

3. Panoramic View of the Sun and Earth

Understanding our solar system’s dynamics.

4. Habitable Planets

Searching for potential life-supporting planets.

5. Biological and Physical Space Science

Examining life and matter in extraterrestrial environments.

These themes are intriguingly summarized as “One Black, Two Dark, Three Origins, and Five Characterizations,” illustrating the multifaceted approach China aims to adopt in its space science initiatives.

Upcoming Missions: Science Before 2030

By 2030, China plans to launch several high-stakes missions designed to yield groundbreaking discoveries:

1. Enhanced X-ray Timing and Polarimetry (eXTP)