China invites nations to join in moon exploration

In 1969, when Neil Armstrong became the first person to walk on the moon, the astronomical body was for Chinese just a glowing orb overhead to gaze at and muse about. Now, fifty years later, China has become the first nation to land a robotic spacecraft on the far side of the moon.

As the world celebrates the historic US moon landing on July 20, 1969, Chinese lunar explorers said their moon exploration program, including plans for a robotic lunar research station prototype by 2030 to prepare manned missions, is open to international cooperation.

The lunar research station will become a base for astronauts to visit briefly and ultimately for a long-term stay, according to Li Chunlai, director of the Ground Research and Application System of the Chinese Lunar Exploration Project, and three of his colleagues.