Recently, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the National Space Administration, and the Office of Manned Space Program jointly released the “National Medium- and Long-Term Development Plan for Space Science (2024-2050).” This plan outlines five major scientific themes and 17 priority directions for advancement in the field of space science research in China.
The five overarching themes include Extreme Universe, Spacetime Ripples, Sun-Earth Panorama, Habitable Planets, and Cosmic Matter. These themes are not only profound and expansive but also closely linked to our daily lives and the future of humanity. They cover a wide array of topics, from the origins of the universe and the formation of galaxies, solar systems, and Earth, to the emergence of life, the conditions for habitable environments, and the principles of matter movement and biological activity in space. While these themes and directions may seem distinct, they are fundamentally interconnected, influencing one another in significant ways.
It’s undeniable that the formation of the universe, galaxies, and our solar system paved the way for Earth and the emergence of life. The ultimate significance of exploring space and extraterrestrial life can be summarized in our pursuit of sustainable development—enhancing human survival, improving our quality of life, and increasing our overall sense of happiness.
When considering the diverse civilizations that may exist in the universe, many people are reminded of science fiction, particularly works like “The Three-Body Problem.” In the vastness of space, do planets exist that are as suitable for life as Earth? Are there forms of life that resemble humanity? If they do exist, have they followed a similar evolutionary path to that of life on Earth? Do their modes of existence differ from ours, and have they created civilizations akin to humankind’s? The significance of these questions extends beyond mere scientific fantasy. Understanding Earth’s position in the solar system and its relationship with the Sun and other planets can lead us to discover other potentially habitable worlds, and whether life on Earth can survive in space can provide new avenues for sustainable development that enhance our self-awareness and understanding of human civilization.
Scientific research into extraterrestrial life is ongoing. Some scientists have posited that the “habitable zone” of the Milky Way is located about 23,000 to 30,000 light-years from its center. Others believe that at least 100 million planets within the galaxy possess the conditions necessary to support life, including appropriate temperatures and chemical environments. Research also suggests that primitive life forms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, chlamydia, and mycoplasma, could potentially survive on extraterrestrial planets.
Reflecting on Earth’s history, two pivotal events mark the evolution of life: fish moving onto land and apes descending from trees. The former adapted to their environment, evolving into terrestrial animals with greater opportunities for development, while the latter became humans, capable of creating remarkable civilizations in the universe. Today, as we explore space and uncover new discoveries, we are also expanding our living space. In the future, focusing on the movement of matter and biological activity in space may lead us to new homes for humanity. By modifying and improving the natural environments of other planets—overcoming challenges like microgravity, high radiation, and low or non-existent oxygen—humans may find viable locations for migration. This venture will also necessitate a balance between human needs, technological development, and external environmental challenges, determining whether we can make another habitat more livable, warmer, and better for future generations.
