China to Conduct Uncrewed Test Before Moon Mission
The test, scheduled ahead of the mission planned for 2030, will allow key operations such as landing, takeoff and spacecraft docking to be evaluated.
China plans to conduct an uncrewed test flight of its lunar module as part of preparations for its first crewed Moon mission. The test, scheduled ahead of the mission planned for 2030, will allow key operations such as landing, takeoff and spacecraft docking to be evaluated.
According to CCTV News, the test will involve two Long March 10 (Changzheng-10) rockets. The first rocket will launch the lunar lander, while the second will carry the Mengzhou spacecraft, designed to transport three astronauts. Both spacecraft will rendezvous and dock in lunar orbit. The lander is designed to take two astronauts to the Moon's surface and bring them back.
Before that, China plans to test the Mengzhou spacecraft and the Earth-orbit version of the rocket. This stage will assess the spacecraft's flight and return-to-Earth systems.
During the uncrewed lunar mission, data will be collected on surface temperatures, lunar dust characteristics and the performance of onboard systems. The lander's entry into lunar orbit, landing, ascent from the surface and redocking with the spacecraft will also be tested.
China's main goal is to verify all technical and operational stages in advance and carry out its first crewed lunar landing in 2030.