Lin Xiqiang, the deputy director of the Chinese Manned Space Agency, told reporters on Tuesday that China would prepare for a “short stay on the lunar surface and human-robotic joint exploration” before 2030.
Officials with the Chinese Manned Space Agency said in a news conference on Monday that the program plans to place astronauts on the moon before 2030 and expand its space station.
Monday's announcement comes against the backdrop of a rivalry with the US for reaching new milestones in outer space, their competition for global influence