China Advances Lunar Exploration with New Underground Simulation Facility

In a significant step towards enhancing its lunar exploration capabilities, China has completed the construction of a simulated moon underground space in a volcanic lava cave near Jingbo Lake in Mudanjiang City, Heilongjiang Province. This facility aims to mimic the environment of lunar lava tubes, which researchers believe could offer protection from the moon's harsh radiation, enabling future missions to explore and utilize these natural structures for human habitation and scientific research.

The project, led by researchers at Peking University, reflects China's long-term strategy for lunar exploration, particularly as the nation prepares for its Chang'e 7 mission, scheduled for launch in 2026. This mission will focus on the lunar south pole and is expected to carry a seismograph to study the moon's internal structure and monitor seismic activity—known as moonquakes—caused by gravitational interactions with Earth.

According to Li Jiaqi, a researcher from Peking University, the simulated environment is crucial for developing autonomous robotic exploration technologies. "The underground volcanic lava pipes by the Jingbo Lake are the most similar environment on Earth to the underground space of the moon. I hope our forward-looking research can serve China's lunar exploration program," Li stated in an interview with China Central Television (CCTV) on July 17, 2025.

The facility is designed to provide a proving ground for experimental robots capable of conducting autonomous exploration and multi-functional operations in this lunar-like setting. Li Xianglong, a doctoral student at the Harbin Institute of Technology, emphasized the advantages of these advanced robots: "Compared with traditional lunar roving vehicles and exploration robots, it has stronger environmental adaptability and flexibility. When exploring the underground space of the moon in the future, it can possess more precise perception, decision-making, and operation capabilities."

The establishment of this underground simulation space is part of China's broader vision to create an International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) by the 2030s, a collaborative effort that aims to enhance scientific understanding and technological innovation in lunar exploration. The initiative has garnered international interest, as it aligns with similar objectives from space agencies worldwide.

This project also has implications for the future of human space exploration beyond the moon. The development of technologies that allow for sustained living and research in extreme environments is vital for future Mars missions and beyond. As nations worldwide ramp up their space exploration efforts, the competition for lunar resources and strategic advantages is likely to intensify.

In summary, China's completion of its underground lunar simulation facility marks a pivotal moment in its ambitious lunar exploration agenda. With the upcoming Chang'e 7 mission and the planned ILRS, the nation is positioning itself as a key player in the next era of space exploration, potentially redefining humanity's relationship with the moon and beyond.