WANA (May 01) – In a major step toward international space collaboration, Iran has officially joined China’s lunar exploration program, with plans to send a scientific payload aboard the upcoming Chang’e-8 mission. The Chinese government made the announcement during China’s Space Technology Day on April 24, 2025.

 

As part of Iran’s 10-year national space roadmap, one of the key priorities is advancing space science and exploration. Among its top agenda items are the development of biological capsules and the exploration and eventual utilization of extraterrestrial resources.

 

Two major global initiatives are currently underway in the realm of lunar resource utilization. The U.S.-led Artemis program, supported by Western and some Eastern countries, and the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), spearheaded by China and Russia, both recognized as space superpowers.

 

The ILRS initiative includes contributions from several nations and focuses on the sustainable exploration and exploitation of lunar resources.

 

China’s Chang’e program is a core component of the ILRS and represents a significant effort in lunar surface research. Following extensive technical consultations, Chinese space authorities have expressed confidence in Iranian scientists and researchers, leading to Iran’s formal inclusion in the Chang’e-8 mission.

 

As part of this mission, a scientific payload developed by an Iranian academic and research institute will be placed on the lunar surface.

 

The Iranian contribution is a static electric potential measurement instrument designed to study the uneven distribution of electric charge on the Moon’s surface. This type of data is considered critical for planning future lunar activities and resource utilization.

 

The mission is part of the China-led International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), a major global effort also involving Russia and other nations. Iranian officials hope this marks the beginning of deeper involvement in lunar and planetary resource projects.

 

Iran’s participation in the Chang’e-8 mission reflects a growing ambition to establish a credible and cooperative presence in the global space sector.