China is set to launch an ambitious lunar mission to the far side of the moon, a largely unexplored region, with the Chang’e-6 probe. Scheduled for lift-off from the Wenchang Space Launch Center in Hainan Province, the mission is part of a broader Chinese plan to put astronauts on the moon by 2030 and enhance its standing in global space exploration. This initiative also includes further missions, Chang’e-7 and Chang’e-8, aimed at investigating the moon’s south pole for water resources and developing a joint lunar outpost with Russia.

Chang’e-6 will focus on collecting geological samples from the moon’s Aitken Basin to study ancient solar system activity, utilizing a relay satellite to navigate and communicate from the moon’s far side. This expedition follows China’s historical achievement of landing a rover on the moon’s far side in 2019 and returning lunar samples in 2020, which confirmed the presence of water.

China’s increasing capability in space, evidenced by its development agenda and plans for a permanent crewed lunar base, positions it as a potential rival to U.S. space capabilities. Despite geopolitical tensions preventing its participation in the International Space Station program, China has expressed intentions to share the findings from its lunar missions internationally.

The global context of space exploration is also shifting towards the so-called “third space age”, characterized by significant contributions from private companies, including SpaceX’s collaboration with NASA to return astronauts to the moon. This era highlights a more democratized approach to space exploration, allowing more countries and private entities to partake due to reduced costs and technological advancements.

In this evolving scenario, space exploration not only continues to advance scientifically but also reflects broader geopolitical dynamics and the strategic interests of major powers on Earth. China, alongside international efforts like those of the US and Russia, and private endeavors by companies such as SpaceX, underscores a multipolar competition and cooperation in space exploration moving forward.