The Deep Space Exploration Lab (DSEL), jointly established in 2022 by the China National Space Administration, Anhui province, and the University of Science and Technology of China in the Hefei National High-tech Industry Development Zone, aims to become a core strategic national force and an internationally influential hub for talent and innovation.

The research and office complex of the Deep Space Exploration Lab (Hefei Headquarters). [Photo/WeChat account: hefeigaoxinfabu]

This important platform has achieved transformative growth, conducting global collaboration and making breakthroughs in lunar resource utilization, Mars exploration technologies, among others.

Currently, DSEL is designing 10 strategic industrial development strategies for key sectors, including deep space energy and space tourism. It leads the newly formed Deep Space Industry Collaborative Innovation Alliance, driving the establishment of Anhui's top aerospace incubator and industrial fund in Hefei. This initiative has attracted multiple commercial space companies and projects to the province.

The Tiandu satellite is launched on March 20, 2024. [Photo/WeChat account: hefeigaoxinfabu]

Over three years, DSEL has supported major missions such as Queqiao-2 relay satellite and Chang'e-6 mission, advanced engineering studies for the International Lunar Research Station, and the launches of Tianwen-3 and Tianwen-4 Mars probes, heavy-lift rockets, and asteroid defense systems. It also spearheaded the development of the Tiandu lunar exploration satellites. At DSEL's Hefei research facility, teams are conducting frontier science studies on human settlement of the Moon and Mars. Cutting-edge technologies may be validated aboard the Chang'e-8 mission, paving the way for lunar station construction.

The International Cooperation Building at Zhong'an Chuanggu Technology Park Phase II in the zone will host the headquarters of the International Deep Space Exploration Society, China's first non-governmental international sci-tech organization in aerospace. It will unite nations and institutions to advance scientific discovery and academic exchange.

Since 2023, DSEL has hosted two annual Tiandu Forum. In April, it convened the International Lunar Research Station Developers' Meeting, gathering global experts to forge cooperative frameworks. Currently, DSEL has signed agreements with 64 international research institutions, expanding humanity's collective reach into the cosmos.