China’s Space Science Program (2025–2030): Strategic Priority Program on Space Science (III)

The Strategic Priority Program (SPP) on Space Science, which is under the leadership of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), has established China’s space science satellite series from scratch. A number of major scientific achievements have been made by the first phase of the Program (SPP I), while SPP II has been currently being implemented. The future development of space science needs urgent top-level planning and advanced layout to clarify the overall goal and investment portfolio from 2025 to 2030. We will briefly introduce the initiative and possible space science missions of SPP III, including the preparatory work which already started in July 2021. Following the effective administrative tradition since SPP I, National Space Science Center (NSSC, CAS) is responsible for the whole procedure, including soliciting, assessment, and implementation of SPP III. Brief information on the 13 candidate missions will be described, including missions in the fields of astronomy & astrophysics, exoplanets, heliophysics and planetary & Earth science, respectively.