ILRS Archives - SpaceNews

The Chang'e-6 lander and ascender on the far side of the moon. Credit: CNSA

Civil

China is developing low-cost lunar cargo options for its expanding moon program

by Andrew Jones March 13, 2026March 13, 2026

A state-owned space contractor has unveiled a concept for an “economical lunar cargo transport” system as China prepares for construction of a lunar base.

Image of the moon's far side with the Earth visible in the background against the blackness of space, captured by the 2014 Chang’e-5 T1 mission. The lunar surface appears gray and cratered, highlighting the rugged terrain of the moon.

Civil

China invites bids for lunar satellite to support crewed moon landing missions

by Andrew Jones February 14, 2025February 14, 2025

Image captured by Pakistan's iCube-Q CubeSat aboard China's Chang'e-6 mission, showing a crescent moon on the left and the Sun shining brightly on the right, with lens flares and scattered light effects.

Civil

Pakistan rover to fly on China’s Chang’e-8 lunar south pole mission

by Andrew Jones February 10, 2025February 10, 2025

Artistic render of China's Chang'e-8 lunar lander on the moon's surface, featuring a gold-colored lander with extended solar panels under a starry lunar sky, illuminated by the Sun.

Civil

China embraces commercial participation in moon mission for the first time

by Andrew Jones January 27, 2025January 27, 2025

Image of the moon's far side with the Earth visible in the background against the blackness of space, captured by the 2014 Chang’e-5 T1 mission. The lunar surface appears gray and cratered, highlighting the rugged terrain of the moon.

Civil

China explores using orbiting lasers to power spacecraft on the moon

by Andrew Jones January 21, 2025January 21, 2025

A close-up image of the Yutu-2 rover taken by the Chang’e-4 lander, showing the six-wheeled rover on the gray, uneven lunar surface of Von Kármán crater. The rover’s solar panels are extended, reflecting sunlight, with tracks visible in the regolith behind it. The barren, cratered terrain of the Moon's far side stretches into the distance.

Civil

Yutu-2 rover likely immobile on the moon after historic lunar far side mission

by Andrew Jones January 14, 2025January 14, 2025

Thailand AA signing

Policy & Politics

Thailand signs Artemis Accords

by Jeff Foust December 17, 2024December 17, 2024

Policy & Politics

Omani space company signs up to China’s ILRS moon base project

by Andrew Jones December 11, 2024December 11, 2024

Civil

China unveils fully reusable Starship-like rocket concept

by Andrew Jones November 14, 2024November 14, 2024

Civil

Venus atmosphere sample return noted in China’s long-term space science roadmap

by Andrew Jones October 22, 2024October 22, 2024