China unveils Manned Lunar Mission details in a video provided by the CMSA at the Human Space Symposium.
China revealed additional details of its upcoming manned lunar mission in a video released on Thursday. The animated video, presented by the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) at the Human Space Symposium, shows astronauts operating a lunar rover on the moon’s surface and outlines a three-day driving route with the landing zone in the center.
The video highlights that China’s lunar mission will focus on mastering key technologies, such as manned Earth-to-moon round trips, short lunar surface stays, and human-robot collaborative exploration. The mission will include various activities such as landing, roving, sampling, research, and returning to Earth.
China’s first manned lunar mission will commence with the launch of the Lanyue lunar lander aboard the new Long March-10 heavy carrier rocket. The Mengzhou manned spacecraft will then follow, rendezvousing with the Lanyue in lunar orbit, where astronauts will transfer to the lander for their descent to the moon’s surface.
Once the astronauts complete their exploration on the moon, the lander will return them to lunar orbit, where they will re-dock with the spacecraft, beginning their journey back to Earth. China aims to achieve a manned lunar landing by 2030, with plans to conduct large-scale space science experiments in lunar science, lunar-based science, and resource exploration.
Production and testing of prototypes for the Long March-10 rocket, Mengzhou spacecraft, Lanyue lander, astronauts’ spacesuits, and the lunar rover are progressing on schedule, according to CMSA.
Zhou Jianping, the chief designer of China’s manned space program, stated that significant progress has been made in developing these components, with initial prototypes now undergoing testing to ensure readiness for future missions.
The CMSA video also displayed prototypes of the manned spacecraft and lunar lander undergoing tests. Ground production facilities and testing equipment have been completed, and construction of the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site is progressing as planned.
During the Human Space Symposium, held in Shenzhen from November 21 to 22, experts and astronauts will discuss topics such as the scientific achievements of China’s space station and the construction and operation of its national space laboratory.
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