China will launch a series of scientific satellite missions during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030) to explore major space science frontiers. The missions will focus on understanding the origins of the universe, space weather, and searching for Earth-like exoplanets. Key projects include the Hongmeng Program, Kuafu-2 satellite, and an upgraded X-ray space observatory, aiming for breakthroughs in areas like the "cosmic dark age" and solar magnetic cycles.
Since initiating the Strategic Priority Program on Space Science in 2011, China has successfully launched eight scientific satellites. These include the Dark Matter Particle Explorer, Quantum Experiments at Space Scale, and the Einstein Probe. The program has generated significant achievements, producing the world's first all-sky X-ray map and obtaining the most precise cosmic-ray energy spectra data to date.
The program has also driven technological advancements, mastering key technologies such as satellite-to-ground optical-link alignment and developing the world's leading lobster-eye X-ray telescope. International collaboration has been crucial, with the Einstein Probe mission representing the first time the European Space Agency participated in a Chinese space science mission as an "opportunity mission."
Recent discoveries include the detection of new X-ray transient sources and weak X-ray bursts within the Milky Way, providing crucial information about stellar-mass black holes and challenging established classifications of gamma-ray bursts. Scientists plan to continue studying large-sample X-ray flares using accumulated data from the world's largest sample of stellar X-ray flares.
According to program leaders, the 15-year journey of China's space science program has demonstrated the country's growing capabilities in space exploration. With multiple breakthroughs across different areas and strong development momentum, these efforts support China's goal of becoming a leading science and technology power by 2035.