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49m ago

China Completes First Full-Scale Test of Lanyue Lunar Lander

Using tether towers to mimic lunar gravity in Hebei province, China’s space agency confirmed its Lanyue lander prototype can support crew operations on a mission planned before 2030.

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A large screen shows news footage of a Chinese national flag carried by Chang'e-6 probe's lander on the far side of the moon, in Beijing, China June 4, 2024. REUTERS/Tingshu Wang/File Photo
A prototype of the four-legged Lanyue (“embrace the moon”) lander. Photo: China Manned Space Agency
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Overview

  • China Manned Space Agency conducted the first comprehensive ascent and descent verification of its Lanyue crewed lander in Hebei province using tether towers and a cratered field to simulate lunar gravity and terrain.
  • The trial assessed the lander’s guidance, navigation and propulsion systems, engine shutdown on touchdown and coordination among critical modules under realistic conditions.
  • Lanyue’s design integrates living quarters, a power source and a data center to support astronauts between lunar orbit and the moon’s surface.
  • This milestone advances China toward its objective of a crewed lunar landing before 2030 and lays groundwork for an International Lunar Research Station with Russia by 2035.
  • The test occurs alongside NASA’s Artemis programme, which plans a lunar orbital mission in April 2026 and a moon landing in 2027, highlighting intensifying competition in lunar exploration.