Fig. 2: Timeline of past and proposed programmatic development activities for lunar exploration for the China National Space Administration (CNSA). | npj Microgravity

Fig. 2: Timeline of past and proposed programmatic development activities for lunar exploration for the China National Space Administration (CNSA).

From: Critical investments in bioregenerative life support systems for bioastronautics and sustainable lunar exploration

Fig. 2

This figure was organized to show timelines focused on lunar exploration systems for human operations on the lunar surface, and future missions and programs based on Bioregenerative Life Support Systems (BLiSS). These timelines reflect dependencies on launch systems, hardware, and the emerging biotech of advanced human habitation. Based on the investments made by the CNSA, the current Chinese program is clearly leading in the development of advanced life support for deep space operations in the coming decade. While the CNSA has only recently entered into the realm of “heavy lift” vehicles, their track record of success in launching and assembling the Tiangong station, as well as new reusable launch systems, demonstrates competency volumetrically.

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