Lunar Lander of China Successfully Passes Crucial Test | Astronautical Image of the Day for August 13, 2025
China Aims for Moon Landing by 2030 and International Lunar Research Station by 2035
China is making significant strides in lunar exploration with ambitious plans to land astronauts on the moon by 2030 and establish an International Lunar Research Station by 2035. This collaborative lunar base, which will involve Russia and other international partners, aims to support long-term scientific activities on the lunar surface.
Recently, China successfully tested its two-person lunar lander named Lanyue ("Embracing the Moon"). The vehicle, designed to transport astronauts between lunar orbit and the moon's surface, was put through its paces in a simulated lunar environment. The test confirmed the proper functioning of Lanyue's landing and ascent propulsion systems, guidance, control, mechanical interfaces, and response to launch-induced stress.
Lanyue is China's first crewed lunar landing vehicle and is purpose-built to ferry astronauts, scientific equipment, life-support systems, and supplies for multi-day stays on the moon. The test, conducted by the China Aero-space Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) in Huailai County, Hebei Province, marks a significant step towards China's moon exploration goals.
The development of the Long March-10 rocket, with recent successful engine tests, also contributes to enabling these crewed lunar missions.
Looking ahead, China plans to establish the International Lunar Research Station in 2035, in collaboration with Russia and other partners. The station is envisioned as a multinational effort, with China and Russia leading the collaboration to build a research facility on the moon. However, the test did not provide any updates on the timeline for future lunar missions beyond 2030.
These plans reflect China's growing ambitions in lunar exploration and international cooperation, marking an exciting new chapter in humanity's exploration of the cosmos.
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