Title: China Sets Ambitious Goal to Land Astronauts on the Moon by the End of the Decade
In a groundbreaking announcement, Zhang Hailian, deputy chief designer with the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), revealed China’s plan to send a pair of astronauts to the moon before the end of the decade. This ambitious mission marks another milestone achievement for China, as it pushes the boundaries of space exploration.
The state-of-the-art mission will involve two components: a crewed spacecraft and a lander. To facilitate the mission’s success, both the crewed spacecraft and the landing stack will be launched separately on Long March 10 rockets. Once in lunar orbit, the two components will rendezvous and dock.
The crew spacecraft, with an impressive mass of 26 tons, will boast the capability for deep space flight, pushing the boundaries of human exploration. Accompanying the crew will be a lander and a propulsion stage, collectively weighing around 26 tons. Furthermore, a lunar rover weighing 200 kilograms will also be included in the mission profile, enabling enhanced data collection and research on the moon’s surface.
To ensure the safety of the astronauts during lunar surface operations, China is actively developing a robust spacesuit with a working time of at least eight hours. Additionally, China has announced a call for proposals for science payloads to travel on the lunar lander, encouraging collaboration and groundbreaking scientific advancements.
The Long March 10 rocket, designed specifically for this mission, will be capable of delivering a staggering 27 tons of payload to trans-lunar injection, a feat that signifies China’s continued dedication to advancing space exploration. The country is set to launch the Long March 10A, a two-stage version of the rocket, in 2027, further cementing its status as a major player in space research and technology.
This significant mission is just one piece of China’s grand vision for space exploration. It is part of a larger plan to construct the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) on the moon’s surface by the 2030s. China has been expanding its space activities in recent years, with an increase in launch rates and the successful completion of a crewed space station. Looking ahead, China is also planning future missions to Mars and cislunar space, showcasing its determination to unlock the mysteries of the universe.
China’s quest for the moon is poised to reshape the future of space exploration, with the nation at the forefront of scientific and technological advancements. As the countdown begins for China’s astronauts to touch down on the lunar surface, the world eagerly anticipates the groundbreaking discoveries and achievements that lie ahead.
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