Overview

• Using giant tether towers and a cratered field in Hebei province, engineers simulated lunar gravity and terrain to assess Lanyue’s descent and ascent performance.
• Officials confirmed that control systems, engine shutdown procedures and guidance, navigation and propulsion subsystems functioned seamlessly during the trial.
• Lanyue will transport two astronauts between lunar orbit and the surface and serve as a habitat, power source and data relay hub for future missions.
• The successful test marks China’s first full rehearsal of a crewed spacecraft’s ability to touch down on and lift off from another celestial body.
• China plans to leverage this milestone to stay on track for a crewed Moon landing before 2030 and to pave the way for an International Lunar Research Station by 2035.