东西问丨任筱强：国际月球科研站“朋友圈”为何越来越大？

Core Viewpoint - The International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) is a comprehensive scientific facility initiated by China and involving multiple countries, aimed at advancing lunar exploration and resource utilization through international collaboration [3][4]. Group 1: Purpose and Goals - The ILRS aims to address four major trends in lunar exploration: significant scientific discoveries, long-term habitation for extensive exploration, collaboration between government and private sectors, and broad international cooperation [4]. - The facility will focus on five scientific and application objectives, including lunar geology, astronomical observations, and resource utilization [6][8]. Group 2: Infrastructure and Capabilities - The ILRS will be a multi-functional facility capable of autonomous operation, with short-term human presence, and will include capabilities for lunar-to-Earth transport, energy supply, central control, communication, navigation, and scientific research [5]. - The construction will involve establishing six major research platforms and support facilities for long-term operations, including transportation vehicles and life support systems [8][9]. Group 3: International Collaboration - Since the initiative's launch in 2017, 17 countries and over 60 international organizations have signed cooperation agreements with China regarding the ILRS [10]. - China aims to engage 50 countries, 500 international research institutions, and 5,000 researchers in the project over the next decade, promoting a collaborative approach to lunar exploration [12].