China is sending a probe back to the Moon as it plans to mine the lunar surface which is rich in helium-3 , possibly the most valuable substance in nature , and one that can provide energy for the world . This substance is invaluable in ensuring the safety of nuclear power plants on Earth and providing rocket fuel ; it is rare on Earth , being blown away by solar wind , but is plentiful in the Moon 's crust . China 's exploration programme is proceeding fast , with the final stage of their current programme being the intention to send a robotic craft to the Moon to return with lunar samples to the Earth . This releases energy, but also radioactive nuclear waste that must be stored indefinitely. Furthermore , China is pressing ahead at great speed with its space ambitions with the announcement it is sending a second space lab into orbit later this year with its goal being to build its very own space station by 2020 .
China is sending a probe back to the Moon as it plans to mine the lunar surface which is rich in helium-3 , possibly the most valuable substance in nature , and one that can provide energy for the world . This substance is invaluable in ensuring the safety of nuclear power plants on Earth and providing rocket fuel ; it is rare on Earth , being blown away by solar wind , but is plentiful in the Moon 's crust . China 's exploration programme is proceeding fast , with the final stage of their current programme being the intention to send a robotic craft to the Moon to return with lunar samples to the Earth . Furthermore , China is pressing ahead at great speed with its space ambitions with the announcement it is sending a second space lab into orbit later this year with its goal being to build its very own space station by 2020 .