China has invited other countries to participate in its Chang’e-8 lunar exploration mission.

At the International Astronautics Congress taking place in Baku these days, China invited other countries to take part in the unmanned lunar exploration mission Chang’e-8, planned for 2028. Participation in the mission will allow, as stated in proposal the Chinese side, jointly implement projects during it, including the launch and control of spacecraft of these countries, joint exploration of the lunar surface, etc.

China also notes that international partners in the lunar mission will be able to “take advantage” of the Chang’e-8 mission to deliver their own modules and cargo to the Moon. The document states that interested countries must submit applications to participate in the Chinese mission no later than December 31. After this, the Chinese side will consider all applications and in September 2024 will name those that have passed the selection.

The objectives of the Chang’e-8 mission, like its predecessor Chang’e-7, scheduled for 2026, include searching for useful resources in the southern polar region of the Moon and preparing for the construction of the International Scientific Lunar Station (ISS). MNLS is a joint project between China and Russia, within which it is planned to begin construction of the station in 2031.

Alena Miklashevskaya