Kenya and Ethiopia have joined Egypt and S.A to be part of China Moon Base

The International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) initiative, spearheaded by China with the goal of establishing a permanent base on the moon by the mid-2030s, has recently welcomed two new African partners. Ethiopia’s Space Science and Geospatial Institute (SSGI) and the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) have both signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs) to collaborate on ILRS-related activities.

Representatives from China and the African institutions formalised these partnerships through MOU signings, marking a significant step forward in the ILRS initiative. The involvement of Ethiopia and Kenya follows similar engagements by other African nations and organisations, including South Africa and Egypt.

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The signing ceremony between China’s Deep Space Exploration Laboratory and Ethiopia’s Space science and Geospatial Institute (SSGI) took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on April 5. SSGI director Abdissa Yilma expressed the institute’s commitment to actively contribute to the ILRS project, emphasising its potential to advance Ethiopia’s aerospace sector and space exploration technologies.

Similarly, on April 8, a cooperation memorandum was signed between China’s Deep Space Exploration Laboratory and KAIST during a visit to Konza Techno City, Kenya. Acting principal Jennifer W. Khamasi affirmed KAIST’s dedication to leveraging the collaboration for research and education opportunities, with plans to advocate for Kenya’s participation in the ILRS initiative.

The ILRS initiative aims to construct a permanent lunar base, with precursor missions scheduled for the 2020s, including Chang’e-7 and Chang’e-8 missions targeting the lunar south pole. By expanding its membership, which now includes nine countries, the ILRS initiative strengthens its position as a significant player in lunar exploration.

While the ILRS initiative progresses, the US-led Artemis program, considered a rival project, has garnered the support of 38 countries through its Artemis Accords. These developments underscore the intensifying competition and collaboration in space exploration, with implications for scientific research, technological innovation, and international diplomacy.

Thailand’s recent engagement in the ILRS project adds to its growing space presence, reflecting the country’s commitment to space-related economic development and technological advancement. With partnerships with countries like Japan and organisations like the European Space Agency (ESA), Thailand aims to bolster its space capabilities and contribute to global space exploration efforts.

As China continues to advance its lunar exploration endeavours, including the recent launch of the Queqiao-2 lunar communications relay satellite, and preparations for crewed lunar missions, the ILRS initiative remains a focal point of China’s space ambitions. With plans for future missions and collaborations, the ILRS project is poised to shape the future of lunar exploration and international space cooperation.