BEIJING, May 3 (Xinhua) -- China on Friday launched the Chang'e-6 spacecraft to collect and return samples from the moon's mysterious far side, sending a clear message to underline its commitment to international cooperation in the field of lunar exploration.
Carrying four payloads developed through international cooperation, Chang'e-6 started a journey to the moon brimming with opportunities for scientists globally, serving as both a call and an act to emphasize the need for unity in exploring the moon for the common good of all humanity.
The moon has witnessed a series of visits from Earth in recent years, as China, India, Japan and a private company from the United States landed unmanned spacecraft there. With the moon once again becoming a hotspot for space exploration, the question now is whether the closest celestial body to Earth should become an arena for another space race or a new frontier for peaceful human utilization of space.
The hurdles to overcome in achieving successful lunar exploration are significant. They require pooling of resources, sharing of expertise, and a spirit of unity that transcends national borders.
China has always been an active advocate of international cooperation in space exploration. China has made clear that it is willing to work with space agencies and international organizations worldwide to promote the establishment of a new type of global partnership in space exploration and innovation -- a partnership based on equality and mutual benefit, openness and inclusiveness, peaceful use and the benefit of mankind.
Chang'e-6 is carrying payloads from France, Italy, Pakistan and the European Space Agency/Sweden. Chang'e-7, scheduled to be launched in 2026, will carry scientific instruments developed by Egypt, Bahrain, Italy, Russia, Switzerland, Thailand and the International Lunar Observatory Association.
Chang'e-8, to be launched around 2028, provides a payload capacity of 200 kg for international cooperation. The final selection of partners will be completed by September 2024.
However, some people from a certain country still indulge in the outdated mentality of a space race, viewing the lunar exploration endeavor, which is ripe with opportunities for international cooperation, as a zero-sum game.
They really should learn more about China's lunar exploration efforts and mindset, and take a closer look at the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), a comprehensive scientific experiment facility program initiated by China and jointly developed by multiple countries and organizations.
Chief designer of China's lunar exploration program, Wu Weiren, told the recent China Space Conference that the country will welcome 50 countries, 500 international research institutions and 5,000 overseas researchers to join the ILRS program. They will help to develop the station and manage its facilities, and will share in the scientific research results.
China has chosen a way to explore the moon that values equality and mutual benefit, openness and inclusiveness, peaceful use and the benefit of mankind. Many countries, international organizations and researchers have joined in.
The moon is not a trophy to be won in a new space race. It is a celestial body to benefit humanity and a starting point for our future journey to deep space. It is time to leave behind the outdated and destructive thinking of the space race, and embark on a new journey to build a community with a shared future for mankind in outer space. ■
