The China National Space Administration (CNSA) has issued a call for national entities interested in contributing to the development of key technologies for the Chang’e 8 mission. These technologies include a device capable of manufacturing lunar bricks using regolith from the Moon and a robot designed to assemble these bricks.
This announcement marks a significant step toward realizing China’s long-term lunar ambitions.
The CNSA has expressed its intention to leverage the strengths of various parties to achieve technological breakthroughs and world-leading research results. Interested companies, universities and research institutes have until March 10 to submit their proposals, which must be technically feasible, financially reasonable and compatible with the mission schedule.
This effort is crucial to the future establishment of the International Lunar Research Station at the Moon’s south pole, a project led by China with the support of international partners, including Russia.
About the Chang’e 8 mission
The Chang’e 8 mission, scheduled to launch in 2028, will serve as the foundation for this lunar station, which will be built in collaboration with international partners.
The mission will include a landerThe mission will include a lander, an exploration vehicle and a robot, carrying 14 scientific instruments to study lunar geology, test technologies for in situ resource utilization and make observations of the Earth. CNSA is soliciting proposals for the development of nine such instruments, including one that will use solar energy to melt lunar soil into functional parts.
Robot builder to use moon bricks
The robot, in particular, must be able to move at a maximum speed of at least 400 m/h, unload instruments from the lander and deploy them on the lunar surface with precision. A heavier robot, weighing 100 kg and powered mainly by battery, will prepare a work area on the lunar surface, transfer parts from the lander and assemble them.
In addition to these tasks, the robot will help collect and analyze lunar rocks, contributing to our understanding of the geological evolution of the Moon. Some of the rocks collected will be stored on the Moon to be retrieved by future missions for detailed analysis on Earth.
China’s initiative to develop robots capable of building infrastructure on the Moon highlights the country’s innovative approach to space exploration and utilization. This approach not only promises to advance space science and technology, but also sets a precedent for international collaboration in creating a sustainable human presence on the Moon. In doing so, China seeks not only to lead in lunar exploration, but also to foster a new era of international cooperation in space.
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Source: worldenergytrade.com
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