China Reports Progress on Manned Lunar Program with Development of Key Technologies

Written by Copernical Team Friday, 01 March 2024 11:17

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Sydney, Australia (SPX) Mar 01, 2024

The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) recently provided an update on China's ongoing manned lunar exploration efforts, indicating steady progress toward achieving a manned moon landing before 2030. This ambitious goal is being pursued through the development of several critical technologies and spacecraft, marking significant steps in China's space exploration journey. Central to these effo

China Reports Progress on Manned Lunar Program with Development of Key Technologies
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Mar 01, 2024

The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) recently provided an update on China's ongoing manned lunar exploration efforts, indicating steady progress toward achieving a manned moon landing before 2030. This ambitious goal is being pursued through the development of several critical technologies and spacecraft, marking significant steps in China's space exploration journey.

Central to these efforts is the development of the Long March-10 rocket. This new carrier rocket is specifically designed to launch spacecraft and moon landers into the trajectory between Earth and the Moon. It utilizes a combination of liquid hydrogen, liquid oxygen, and kerosene as propellants, highlighting China's advancements in rocket technology tailored for lunar missions.

Alongside the Long March-10, work is progressing on the Mengzhou manned spacecraft and the Lanyue lunar lander. These developments are critical components of China's strategy to land astronauts on the Moon. The plan involves launching two carrier rockets that will carry the spacecraft and lunar lander into lunar orbit. There, the spacecraft and lander will dock, allowing astronauts to transfer to the lander for their descent to the lunar surface.

An essential part of the astronauts' gear, the moon-landing suit, is also under development. This suit is designed to protect astronauts from the Moon's environment, enabling them to perform scientific explorations and studies.

The CMSA also disclosed plans for two crewed space missions to China's space station in 2024, using the Shenzhou-18 and Shenzhou-19 spaceships. The agency has already selected and is currently training the astronauts for these missions. Additionally, the return of the Shenzhou-17 crew to Earth in April is scheduled, highlighting the ongoing human spaceflight activities under China's space program.

In its pursuit of lunar exploration, the CMSA underscored its commitment to international cooperation. The agency is actively engaging in projects with global partners, including the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, to foster collaborative efforts in space exploration.

China's update on its manned lunar exploration program reflects the country's focused approach to expanding its capabilities in space. With the development of the Long March-10 rocket, Mengzhou spacecraft, Lanyue lunar lander, and specialized moon-landing suits, China is methodically preparing for its planned moon landing, aiming to contribute significantly to the global understanding of the Moon and beyond.

Based on a Xinhua News Agency article