Recent developments signal that space mining, once confined to science fiction, is edging closer to reality. The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation announced plans to conduct feasibility studies during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030) for a major project known as “Tiangong Kaiwu.”

The project aims to build an integrated experimental system for space resource development, supported by ground infrastructure. Its core focus will be on achieving technological breakthroughs in areas such as small celestial body exploration, intelligent autonomous mining, low-cost transportation, and in-orbit resource processing.

At its most fundamental level, space mining refers to extracting resources from celestial bodies beyond Earth’s atmosphere. However, the broader concept of space resources encompasses not just minerals but also materials, energy sources, environmental conditions, and information that can be utilized in space.

The “Tiangong Kaiwu” project is centered on developing a comprehensive system for deep-space resource utilization. This system would cover the entire chain — from exploration and extraction through transportation and in-orbit processing — moving this capability from laboratory research towards practical engineering implementation.

The vision of utilizing extraterrestrial resources is not new. Outer space has long been viewed as a vast, untapped resource reservoir. Scientific evidence suggests that certain asteroids harbor high concentrations of precious metals like platinum and palladium. Lunar regolith contains helium-3, a clean, safe, and efficient fuel for nuclear fusion, while KREEP-rich regions on the Moon hold thorium and rare earth elements.

Among all space resources, water ice is considered particularly valuable. Through electrolysis, water can be split into hydrogen and oxygen, creating high-performance rocket propellant. If water can be extracted in space, spacecraft could one day refuel at orbital or lunar “fuel stations.”

The challenge, however, lies in cost. With current technology, transporting materials from space back to Earth often costs far more than the resources are worth.

For this reason, in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) has become a key approach to reduce reliance on Earth-based supplies by sourcing and processing materials directly on the Moon, asteroids, or other celestial bodies.

The primary goal of space mining, therefore, is not to ship valuable materials back to Earth, but to lower the cost of deep-space activities–transforming space exploration from a high-cost, low-frequency endeavor into a more sustainable and routine system.

China’s confidence in this field stems from steady technological progress. The Chang’e-5 and Chang’e-6 missions have successfully returned lunar samples to Earth. The asteroid sample-return mission Tianwen-2 was launched in 2025 and is currently en route to its target asteroid. Chang’e-7 is set to explore water ice at the Moon’s south pole this year, while Chang’e-8, planned for launch around 2028, will conduct crucial ISRU technology experiments on the Moon.

Complementing these missions, the newly established School of Space Exploration at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences is training talent in aerospace science and planetary research. From exploration and sampling to laboratory research and engineering applications, and from technology validation to talent development, a comprehensive capability network for deep-space exploration is rapidly taking shape.

Significant challenges remain. The Moon’s surface experiences temperature swings of up to 300 degrees Celsius, while asteroids have near-zero gravity and long communication delays with Earth. These extreme environments pose formidable obstacles for space mining.

At the same time, efforts to overcome them are expected to drive breakthroughs in fields ranging from aerospace engineering and materials science to artificial intelligence.

From quantum technology and biomanufacturing to embodied intelligence and nuclear fusion, China’s long-term development strategies increasingly emphasize future-oriented industries.

As a new wave of technological revolution and industrial transformation accelerates, China is seeking to position itself with foresight and steady action to gain momentum across emerging frontiers.

By Meng Fanzhe

Source: People’s Daily