Strategic Analysis of Scientific Activities and Study on the Overall Plan of Scientific Operation Platforms Based on the Lunar Research Station

The Moon, the Earth’s only natural satellite, has always been the main target of international deep space exploration and an ideal test ground to promote the development of advancing aerospace technologies because of its unique space position, space environment, and material resources. The establishment of the lunar research station will be a primary objective of future lunar exploration, providing an unique observational opportunity for multidisciplinary frontier scientific research. These include studies of lunar geological evolution, the early history of the universe, celestial body formation across scales, coupling mechanisms of the Sun-Earth-Moon system, physical and biological effects, as well as unique properties of materials. This development marks a paradigm shift from single-mission exploration to integrated multi-mission frameworks, driving scientific activities towards intelligent, multi-task, and multi-objective systems. This paper reviews the development trends in lunar exploration and analyzes the scientific objectives and application requirements for the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) proposed by China. It outlines a conceptual framework for scientific operation platforms designed for lunar research, presenting an architecture composed of six specialized platforms: comprehensive geological research, multi-physical field measurement networks, astronomical survey systems, Sun-Earth-Moon coupling observation networks, fundamental science experiment modules, and lunar resource utilization platforms. These platforms are tailored to address diverse research requirements, ranging from detailed lunar surface surveys and geophysical measurements to large-scale astrophysical observations and advanced biophysical and material science experiments. To ensure effective operation, an intelligent management hub is proposed, serving as the command center for data processing, operational coordination, and real-time task optimization. This hub supports autonomous mission planning, integrated data analysis, and dynamic resource allocation, ensuring efficient collaboration between different platforms. By integrating these systems, the ILRS aims to provide a foundation for sustainable, long-term lunar exploration and multidisciplinary scientific breakthroughs. This study highlights the strategic significance of establishing the ILRS, which seeks to foster global collaboration, drive innovations in deep space exploration, and serve as an open, inclusive, and sustainable platform for addressing major scientific and technological challenges. The conceptual framework proposed herein aligns with the vision of advancing humanity’s understanding of the Moon and beyond, supporting the long-term development of lunar science and exploration.