An preview of the Chinese lunar landing showcased the next generation of spacecraft that will serve the astronauts of the Asian giant to reach the Moon. The People’s Republic of China is making significant efforts to send its first astronauts to the Moon by the end of the decade. The images we present offer a glimpse into how this plan might unfold.
Race to the Moon
Preview of lunar landing begins with a new crewed spacecraft of the next generation and a new lunar lander appeared in the video released by the Chinese National Space Administration (CNSA). During the conference held by Wu Yansheng, President of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) main steps of the entire project were outlined. Company is the country’s leading space contractor and builder of Long March spacecraft and rockets.
The pair of spacecraft are shown docking while orbiting the Moon. It then depicts an astronaut carrying the flag of the People’s Republic of China descending from the lander to plant it on the lunar surface. While the video includes numerous animations over the course of an hour, it has long been known that CASC has been working on various necessary aspects to realize a crewed lunar landing. Other high-ranking space officials stating that a short-term lunar mission could be possible before 2030.
Development is underway for a new generation rocket for launching the new crewed spacecraft, while work is in progress on a lunar lander. The country also has its own lunar project in response to NASA‘s Artemis program, known as the International Lunar Research Station. Meanwhile, China has completed its Tiangong space station in low Earth orbit. The year 2022 was a record year for Chinese launches, but the country has very clear ambitions in the field of human spaceflight, aiming for ever greater and more distant achievements.