The “National Space Science Medium- and Long-Term Development Plan” released today proposed 5 major scientific themes and 17 priority development directions where China is expected to achieve breakthroughs. The five major scientific themes and 17 priority development directions in which China is expected to achieve breakthroughs include: Theme 1 “Extreme Universe”. It mainly explores the origin and evolution of the universe and reveals the laws of physics under extreme cosmic conditions. Priority development directions under this theme include: dark matter and the extreme universe, the origin and evolution of the universe, and the detection of cosmic baryons. Theme 2 “Ripples in Time and Space”. It mainly detects medium- and low-frequency gravitational waves and original gravitational waves to reveal the nature of gravity and space-time. The priority development direction is gravitational wave detection in space. Theme 3 “Sun-Earth Panorama”. It mainly explores the Earth, the Sun, and the heliosphere, and reveals the physical processes and laws of the complex Sun-Earth system and the overall connection between the Sun and the solar system. Priority development directions include the Earth's circulation system, comprehensive observation of the Earth and Moon, space weather detection, three-dimensional solar exploration, and outer heliospheric exploration. Theme 4 “Habitable Planets”. It mainly explores the habitability of celestial bodies in the solar system and exoplanets, and carries out extraterrestrial life searches. Its priority development directions include sustainable development, solar system archaeology, planetary circle characterization, search for extraterrestrial life, and exoplanet exploration. Theme 5 “Space Grid”. It mainly reveals the laws of movement of matter and life activity under space conditions, and deepens understanding of basic physics such as quantum mechanics and general relativity. Priority development directions under this theme include microgravity science, quantum mechanics and general relativity, and life science in space.

The “National Space Science Medium- and Long-Term Development Plan” released today proposed 5 major scientific themes and 17 priority development directions where China is expected to achieve breakthroughs. The five major scientific themes and 17 priority development directions in which China is expected to achieve breakthroughs include: Theme 1 “Extreme Universe”. It mainly explores the origin and evolution of the universe and reveals the laws of physics under extreme cosmic conditions. Priority development directions under this theme include: dark matter and the extreme universe, the origin and evolution of the universe, and the detection of cosmic baryons. Theme 2 “Ripples in Time and Space”. It mainly detects medium- and low-frequency gravitational waves and original gravitational waves to reveal the nature of gravity and space-time. The priority development direction is gravitational wave detection in space. Theme 3 “Sun-Earth Panorama”. It mainly explores the Earth, the Sun, and the heliosphere, and reveals the physical processes and laws of the complex Sun-Earth system and the overall connection between the Sun and the solar system. Priority development directions include the Earth's circulation system, comprehensive observation of the Earth and Moon, space weather detection, three-dimensional solar exploration, and outer heliospheric exploration. Theme 4 “Habitable Planets”. It mainly explores the habitability of celestial bodies in the solar system and exoplanets, and carries out extraterrestrial life searches. Its priority development directions include sustainable development, solar system archaeology, planetary circle characterization, search for extraterrestrial life, and exoplanet exploration. Theme 5 “Space Grid”. It mainly reveals the laws of movement of matter and life activity under space conditions, and deepens understanding of basic physics such as quantum mechanics and general relativity. Priority development directions under this theme include microgravity science, quantum mechanics and general relativity, and life science in space.