A total of 17 countries and international organizations, as well as over 50 international research institutions have joined an International Lunar Research Station Program initiated by China, said Wu Weiren, chief designer of China's lunar exploration program said at the Space Day of China celebrations in Shanghai.
According to Wu, China's exploration program has maintained a 100-percent mission success rate over the past two decades and is now advancing to its fourth phase.
In an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Wu introduced plans and expectations on international cooperation on lunar exploration.
"We currently recognize several key areas of international cooperation. The first is at the technical level -- but what does that mean? It means working together to develop and implement shared plans. Technological breakthroughs are essential, particularly to tackle the harsh conditions of the lunar South Pole, including challenges related to lighting, power supply, and extreme temperature variations. These obstacles must be overcome collaboratively. Technical implementation also includes ground-based operations such as tracking, surveying, control, and communication. For instance, we are already working with the European Space Agency and countries in South America like Argentina. Looking ahead, I expect more emerging nations to join us in these cooperative efforts," Wu said.
"The second aspect is cooperation on scientific instruments. What will we do on the Moon? The focus is primarily on scientific exploration using instrument payloads. We welcome more countries to collaborate with China in this endeavor. Joint research is encouraged, but for those who prefer to conduct independent studies, China is also willing to assist in delivering their instruments to the lunar surface," Wu added.
"The third aspect is scientific data. Once obtained, this data will be analyzed collaboratively or shared with participating countries for joint research, aiming to achieve groundbreaking scientific discoveries of global significance. Scientific and technological advancement remains the primary goal of our lunar exploration efforts," Wu said.
"The fourth aspect, in my view, is collaboration at the ground headquarters. Located in China, the headquarters welcomes scientists from around the world for academic exchange. We share common goals and a collective determination to achieve outcomes of global significance," Wu said.
Int'l experts join China-led international lunar research station program: chief designer
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
