South Africa has officially joined China’s International Lunar Research Station Program, signaling a significant expansion of space cooperation between the two nations. This partnership is expected to open up numerous opportunities in space exploration and technology.

• South Africa joined the International Lunar Research Station Program earlier this month, marking an expansion of cooperation from near-Earth to lunar and deep-space explorations.
• The agreement was signed by Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Chen Xiaodong and Humbulani Mudau, CEO of the South African National Space Agency, on September 1.
• Cooperation will include planning, construction, and operation of the lunar outpost, with South Africa's geographic location offering "unique advantages in ground-based telemetry and control of spacecraft."