China is setting its sights on becoming a global leader in space science by 2050, building on its recent successes in space exploration.

The country's ambitious strategy includes 17 priority areas across five major scientific themes, focusing on breakthroughs in dark matter, gravitational waves, and the search for extraterrestrial life.

These five themes encompass the extreme universe, space-time ripples, the Sun-Earth system, habitable planets, and biological and physical sciences in space.

Plans also include the establishment of new laboratories on Earth and a research facility on the Moon to capitalize on insights gained from ongoing missions.

One of the key initiatives is the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), aimed at creating a permanent habitat around the Moon's southern pole.

China has already forged partnerships with 17 countries and international organizations to enhance collaborative efforts in space research and exploration.

The Deep Space Exploration Laboratory (DSEL) is actively seeking global proposals for the Queqiao project, emphasizing the importance of international partnerships.

Despite its advancements, including a sophisticated space station and successful uncrewed Moon landings, China acknowledges that its space science research is still in its early stages and requires further development.

Vice President Ding Chibiao of the Chinese Academy of Sciences highlighted the need to strengthen China's aerospace capabilities to achieve its ambitious goals.

In addition to lunar exploration, China is now recognized as a key player in Near-Earth Asteroid Defense, collaborating with the U.S. and ESA on planetary defense strategies.

Meanwhile, the U.S. is also advancing its lunar ambitions, with NASA targeting a 2026 date for landing astronauts on the Moon.

Recently, the U.S. launched the Europa Clipper spacecraft on a mission to investigate Jupiter's moons for potential signs of life.