China and the Moon

[Vicus]

China launches human research program to support long-duration space missions- March 31, 2026



China is preparing to launch a major human research program focused on the long-term health and survival of astronauts, as the country advances its ambitions for orbital operations and future lunar exploration, reports Xinhua News Agency, a BRICS TV partner.

The initiative will begin accepting research proposals on April 1. The program aims to develop a comprehensive "human space atlas" and establish a dedicated research database, generating findings that could improve astronaut well-being during long-duration missions while also contributing to public health on Earth.

The research will focus on how microgravity affects bones and muscles, as well as the broader physiological impacts of prolonged space travel. Scientists will examine changes in cardiovascular function, metabolism, cognitive performance, and aging, including the effects experienced after returning to Earth. The studies will involve human samples, cells, and organoid models.

The new initiative comes as China accelerates preparations for a crewed moon landing by 2030 and increases the frequency of long-duration missions. According to the source, these advances are contributing to new approaches in the study of cardiovascular health, neurodegenerative diseases, aging, and pharmaceutical testing.

https://tvbrics.com/en/news/china-la...pace-missions/

[Vicus]

Chinese scientists identify lunar soil as natural ultra-insulating material-
01.04.26

Breakthrough measurements reveal Moon particles rival advanced synthetic insulation, offering new insights for space exploration

China’s scientists have achieved a breakthrough in space materials research by precisely measuring the thermal conductivity of a single lunar soil particle, revealing it to be one of the most effective natural insulating materials ever identified, repots Global Times, a partner of TV BRICS.

The study, conducted by a joint team from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tsinghua University and the Technology and Engineering Centre for Space Utilisation, analysed samples collected during the Chang'e-5 mission.

Researchers found that specific components of lunar soil, known as agglutinates, exhibit exceptionally low thermal conductivity in vacuum conditions, comparable to high-performance synthetic aerogels. This represents the lowest thermal conductivity ever recorded for a naturally occurring material.

Experts reported that the findings provide new insight into the Moon’s extreme thermal environment. Lunar soil consists of various particle types, including agglutinates, rock fragments and glass beads, each with distinct physical properties. Among them, agglutinates stand out due to their complex internal structure.

Formed through space weathering processes, these particles contain intricate networks of pores ranging from nanometre to micrometre scale, along with diverse mineral interfaces. This structure effectively suppresses heat transfer at multiple scales, resulting in remarkable insulating performance.

Using a combination of advanced structural analysis and simulation techniques, the team demonstrated how these features limit phonon transport within the material, explaining its ultra-low thermal conductivity.

The research establishes a new experimental and theoretical framework for studying heat transfer under lunar conditions and provides valuable data for modelling the Moon’s thermal environment.

Scientists say the discovery could have practical applications in the design of spacecraft, landers and on-site lunar infrastructure, particularly in managing temperature extremes. It may also inspire the development of next-generation insulation materials on Earth, based on naturally occurring structures found in lunar soil.

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[Ravenlocke]

Li Zexin 李泽欣

Chinese astronauts are planting vegetables in China's space station.

https://x.com/XH_Lee23/status/2040998672897556969

[Vicus]

Moon Exploration



One of the central themes of the BRICS space agenda remains the exploration of the Moon. Russia plans not only to continue but also to expand its lunar programme, notes Oleg Alekseenko. The Luna-27 project provides for launch of two heavy landing stations: one to the southern pole and the other to the northern pole. The launch of the first mission is scheduled for 2029 and will represent an important stage in the creation of the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS). The station is expected to include modules on the lunar surface, with construction planned for 2031–2035. The joint Russia–China project is open to participation by other countries: as of April 2025, 17 states and international organisations, as well as more than 50 research institutes, had joined.

Deputy Head of the China National Space Administration (CNSA), Bian Zhigang, noted that joint lunar research is transitioning from short-term missions to the construction of long-term facilities, and from individual launches to international cooperation.

Russia is a technological leader in human spaceflight, nuclear power systems and fundamental science. The country has a ten-year plan for the development of its space sector and is conducting experiments with plasma rocket engines for deep space missions. Russia proposes that partner countries join efforts in costly interplanetary missions, including those to Mars and Venus. It also possesses unique scientific schools and technologies for landing on Venus that have not yet been replicated elsewhere in the world. These achievements could serve as a foundation for BRICS programmes.

continue:

https://tvbrics.com/en/news/space-in...-global-scale/

[Vicus]

China advances in-orbit manufacturing with successful space metal 3D printing test

The breakthrough paves the way for producing components directly in space, supporting future missions and infrastructure



China has successfully completed a demonstration of metal 3D printing technology in orbit. The achievement was announced by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, highlighting progress in the development of advanced technologies for space applications, reports CGTN, a partner of TV BRICS.

The demonstration took place aboard the spacecraft, where scientists tested in-orbit metal additive manufacturing under real space conditions.

Researchers noted that space-based metal 3D printing presents distinct technical challenges compared to terrestrial processes. These include managing metal droplet behaviour in microgravity, maintaining liquid bridge stability, and controlling molten material dynamics, alongside engineering requirements such as payload optimisation, autonomous operation, and safe performance in orbit.

During the test, the onboard system operated autonomously while receiving commands from Earth. Using a laser wire-feed method, the equipment achieved stable metal melt deposition and successfully demonstrated repeated remote-controlled start-stop operations. The experiment also verified key functions such as data transmission, system compatibility, and automated workflow execution.

The new technology is expected to transform space missions by enabling on-demand manufacturing of components directly in orbit, according to the source. This approach could support maintenance of space infrastructure, production of spare parts, and future deep-space exploration. The research team plans to expand testing under more complex conditions, aiming to accelerate the transition from experimental validation to practical application.

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