The brief

Analyst view

• China's civil space agency founded in 1993. Operates the world's most active lunar program, deploying hardware constantly.
• Chang'e missions map south pole ice; Tianwen explores asteroids and comets for sample return.
• Manages lunar, planetary, orbital and space station programs in parallel.

Technical approach

As reported

Partnership model

Contracts with state enterprises

CNSA plans missions and science; the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) and subsidiaries build hardware and operate launches.

Lunar focus

South pole ice and resources

Chang'e missions target the lunar south pole, focusing on water ice detection, resource mapping and site preparation for future crewed outposts.

Deep space

Asteroid and comet missions

Tianwen programs sample asteroids and comets, advancing understanding of small bodies and early Solar System formation.