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China is preparing for a busy year in space in 2025, with several major missions planned, including asteroid exploration and international cooperation projects, according to the China National Space Administration (CNSA).
The Tianwen-2 mission will explore and collect samples from an asteroid. China also plans to launch two crewed spacecraft, Shenzhou-20 and Shenzhou-21, later this year, said Liu Yunfeng, deputy director of CNSA’s system engineering department.
China is expanding international cooperation in space. Two major joint missions are underway:
SMILE (Solar Wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer): a China-Europe mission to study how solar wind interacts with Earth’s magnetic field.
A China-Italy electromagnetic monitoring satellite to support research on earthquake prediction.
China also plans to deepen space cooperation with Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries, BRICS nations, and European partners. This includes building the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) and improving the BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation for better data sharing during disasters.
CNSA will offer satellite services to BRI countries to help with agriculture, disaster prevention, and smart city development.
Liu also shared details of China’s upcoming 10th Space Day on April 24 in Shanghai. Events will include science exhibitions, forums, academic sessions, and public outreach programs. Over 650 activities—such as open days at space centers, science talks, and student competitions—are planned across the country to promote interest in space.
A special conference on climate change will gather representatives from 41 countries and organizations to discuss how space technology can help track carbon emissions and support climate goals.
An ILRS developers' meeting will also be held to discuss international cooperation, data sharing, and joint lunar missions.
To mark 50 years of diplomatic ties, Thailand will be the guest country of honor. The two countries will work together on the Chang’e-7 and Chang’e-8 lunar missions, satellite development, and remote sensing.
Space Day of China was first observed in 2016 to commemorate the launch of China’s first satellite, Dongfanghong-1, on April 24, 1970.
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