China to lead 30-satellite network for monitoring cislunar space

China’s Deep Space Exploration Laboratory plans to build a 30-satellite network to observe the vast region between Earth and the Moon, describing it as a way to fill a global gap in systematic cislunar monitoring.

The CubeSats, each about the size of a backpack, are expected to enter high elliptical orbits around Earth over the next four years. Egypt, Indonesia, Senegal, Serbia and Thailand are among the participating countries. The cislunar region stretches from low Earth orbit to roughly 2 million kilometers from Earth and is considered important for crewed lunar flights and plans to establish bases there.

By observing from multiple locations at once, the satellites will track high-energy particles and magnetic disturbances from the Sun as they move through the region. The network will also search for gamma-ray bursts, extremely powerful flashes produced by distant cosmic events such as the merger of two neutron stars. Simultaneous detections could help scientists locate those bursts more precisely.

Participating countries will jointly develop plans, finance their own development work and share scientific data. China will provide free equipment to detect high-energy particles, measure magnetic fields and identify gamma rays, as well as technical training and common standards. Hu Chaobin, deputy director of the laboratory, told Xinhua, “We hope to cooperate with partners around the world to expand the boundaries of human understanding of deep space and the universe.” Initial work has begun, while the spacecraft, equipment and ground-control system designs are expected to be completed soon. China has also announced joint research centers with Thailand and Serbia focused on lunar robots, small spacecraft, planets, the Sun, the space environment, asteroids and other small celestial bodies.

“

We hope to cooperate with partners around the world to expand the boundaries of human understanding of deep space and the universe.