China always is doing something to compete with India. After India sent it's spacecraft Aditya L1 now China is planning to launch a solar exploration mission to an unexplored orbit between Earth and the Sun, known as the Sun-Earth L5 Lagrangian Point.

According to a report in CGTN, the mission, dubbed the Xihe-2 solar exploration mission, is expected to be launched in 2026, and aims to investigate the origin and evolution of the magnetic field in solar active regions and study the three-dimensional structure and physical mechanism of solar bursts.

The Sun-Earth L5 Lagrangian Point, located about 150 million kilometers (15 crore km) from Earth, is an ideal location for studying space weather and monitoring solar activity.

It offers a unique vantage point that allows for imaging of solar activity at least three days before it can be viewed from Earth and measures the solar wind conditions four to five days ahead of Earth impact.

The Xihe-2 will be the world's first artificial probe to reach this point, marking a significant milestone in space exploration.

"The Sun-Earth L5 point is still a virgin place for exploration," said Professor Fang Cheng from Nanjing University, one of the satellite's designers. "It is scientifically meaningful and feasible in engineering."

In addition to providing crucial data for scientific research, the satellite will also enhance Beijing's ability to forecast space weather.

This could lead to more timely warnings and accurate predictions of space weather events, which have the potential to disrupt communication systems and power grids on Earth.

Alongside the solar probe mission, China's lunar exploration project is also making steady progress. Experts are currently discussing the construction of a long-term underground lunar research station.

Despite the challenges posed by the moon's lack of atmosphere, researchers believe that underground caves in lunar lava tubes could provide shelter from temperature extremes, radiation, meteorite impacts, and lunar dust.

These ambitious initiatives underscore China's commitment to advancing space exploration and deepening our understanding of the solar system. They hold the promise of yielding valuable insights into the Sun's activities and enhancing our ability to predict and prepare for space weather events.