Venezuela and China initiate partnership for space exploration

Venezuela’s Bolivarian Agency for Space Activities (ABAE) and the China National Space Administration (CNSA) agreed to collaborate on space research, including participation in the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) project.

This partnership signals Venezuela’s entry as the first American country to be involved in this initiative.

According to Venezuela’s Minister of Science and Technology, Gabriela Jiménez, the agreement encapsulates a broad partnership between the two nations.

She emphasized the need for talent training to understand deep space exploration, as stated in a Ministry press release.

CNSA Secretary General Xu Hongliang, leading the Chinese delegation, highlighted the importance of this partnership in promoting bilateral scientific research, lunar probe design and development, data exchange, and education and training.

The Ministry confirmed that Venezuela will provide its satellite ground control station infrastructure to support, monitor, and manage space missions aimed at lunar exploration.

China has previously announced its plans for the fourth phase of its lunar exploration program, a joint venture with Russia to establish a scientific exploration base at the moon’s south pole.

The initial structure of the ILRS is expected to be completed by 2028, using China’s upcoming Chang’e-6, -7, and -8 lunar probes.

The station, currently under development by the Chinese and Russian space agencies, is expected to be fully operational by 2035.

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