Chinaʹs moon project change: Stratagem and prospects Original Research Article

Underlying Chinaʹs decision to explore the Moon is the assumption that space powers will soon contend for strategic resources on the lunar surface and China does not want to lag behind in the new Moon race. According to the 3-stage plan, a lunar orbiter based on DFH-3 Earth communications satellite platform could be launched by CZ-3A rocket from Xichang in three years to obtain 3-D topographic maps of the Moon and investigate the global distribution of resources through remote sensing. A soft landing mission is scheduled for 2010 to start the second stage of exploration using robotic rovers to survey the lunar surface. Sample return missions will follow. It will take more than ten years to complete the 3-step plan. Human missions to the Moon are not Chinaʹs near-term goals although principal lunar scientists envision an international lunar base in 2030.