A Brief Introduction to the International Lunar Research Station Program and the Interstellar Express Mission

Abstract

China has planned and implemented a series of lunar and deep space exploration programs since the first lunar exploration satellite Chang’E-1 launched in 2007. In the future, China has initiated the international lunar research station program, which aims to build a shared platform on the Moon jointly with many other countries for long-term and continuous lunar exploration, lunar-based observations and experiments, as well as in-situ resource utilization. In addition, China has also proposed an interstellar express mission to unveil the mysteries of the outer heliosphere, nearby interstellar space, and their interactions. This paper gives a brief introduction to the International Lunar Research Station program and the Interstellar Express mission.