In a historic move Sri Lanka has made the first investment into the space exploration industry when China’s Deep Space Exploration Laboratory (DSEL) set up a new company in Sri Lanka with ‘Supreme Deep Space (Pvt) Ltd.
This joint venture company is now set to play a pivotal role in advancing lunar and Mars missions,” an official from the newly formed local company said.Towards consolidating this initiative one of key persons behind the success of China’s highly successful Chang’e 6 lunar mission, Professor Wu Weiren, Chief Designer of China’s Lunar Exploration Program visited Sri Lanka. The mission successfully landed on the far side of the moon in the South Pole-Aitken Basin, a region that holds significant scientific interest due to its ancient impact history.
“His visit has sparked considerable intrigue and excitement. This partnership not only places Sri Lanka on the global space exploration map but also allows the nation to contribute significantly to groundbreaking scientific endeavors and the timing of this partnership is particularly noteworthy given the current global landscape of space explorations by several countries.”
Professor Wu Weiren’s visit underscores the strategic importance of this collaboration and the establishment of Supreme Deep Space is a testament to the visionary approach of leveraging Sri Lankan expertise in space science and technology.
This initiative is poised to inspire a new generation of scientists and engineers in Sri Lanka, fostering a culture of innovation and exploration.
Sri Lanka and China Forge New Paths in Space Exploration. Supreme Deep Space (Pvt) Ltd. and China’s Deep Space Exploration Laboratory (DSEL) have outlined several areas of collaboration to advance space exploration and technology.
“This partnership promises to leverage Sri Lanka’s unique expertise and China’s advanced capabilities in various research initiatives.” Supreme Deep Space will create a comprehensive database to catalog local expertise relevant to space missions. This database will include scientists, engineers, and researchers with specialized knowledge in areassuch as astrophysics, materials science, and space mission logistics. This initiative aims to streamline collaboration and ensure that the best minds in Sri Lanka are contributing to global space missions.
A key area of cooperation is joint research on 3D printing technologies for construction. DSEL’s advanced 3D printing technologies with Sri Lankan innovations, the partnership seeks to pioneer new techniques for off-Earth construction. Another exciting collaboration involves joint research on breaking down H2O to generate oxygen.
“With the potential discovery of water ice at the Moon’s poles, this research could provide critical life support resources for future lunar missions.”
Joint research will focus on developing graphene production techniques and testing its application in space elevator technology.
Supreme Deep Space and DSEL will conduct joint research on the lower gravity impact scenario, taking advantage of Sri Lanka’s Hikkaduwa region.
“This area, with its unique geological features, provides an ideal environment for studying the effects of reduced gravity on various materials and biological systems. Supreme Deep Space will provide critical infrastructure for mission monitoring and control, leveraging Sri Lanka’s strategic geographic position and we will play a pivotal role in mission monitoring and control.”
“By establishing state-of-the-art facilities equipped with advanced technologies, the company will support DSEL’s missions in real-time.”
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