China and Europe are planning to build the first-ever “moon village” that could serve as a launching pad for deep space missions such as one to Mars, or even as a spot for space tourism and lunar mining.
Representatives of the Chinese and European space agencies have discussed collaborating on a moon-base and other possible joint endeavours.
The plan was first revealed by Tian Yulong, the secretary general of China’s space agency. The European Space Agency (ESA), confirmed the discussions.
ESA chief Johann-Dietrich Worner has described its proposed “moon village” as a potential international launching pad for future deep space missions, such as to Mars, and a chance to develop tourism or even lunar mining.
ESA: Know More- Headquarters: Paris, France
- Budget: 5.75 billion EUR (2017)
- Primary spaceport: Guiana Space Centre
- Acronym: ESA; ASE
- CEO: Johann-Dietrich Wörner (1 Jul 2015)
- Founded: 30 May 1975, Europe
- Official language(s): English, French and German
