(Yicai Global) Nov. 24 -- China is currently researching a lunar research station and mulling the idea of setting up infrastructure to allow for the station to run unmanned, state-owned news agency Xinhua quoted a director of the China National Space Administration as saying at the Seventh International Conference on Advanced Space Technology in Shanghai yesterday.

China is gradually advancing its lunar exploration project and is scheduled to launch its Chang'e-4 lunar rover next year to reach the 'dark side' of the moon, where humans are yet to set foot, the director added. The country is also working on Chang'e-5.

The Chang'e series is named after an ancient Chinese mythological figure and its earlier versions were launched in 2007, 2010 and 2013.

China's space administration recently set up a bilateral aerospace cooperation with a number of countries, including Russia, Brazil, France, Italy, Algeria and others, and created comprehensive partnerships in space science, technology and applications.

The nation will also ramp up international cooperation in mission design, joint explorations, equipment and scientific research.