Overview

• The Lanyue lander underwent its first comprehensive trial at a custom-built site in Hebei province, simulating lunar terrain, gravity and soil reflectivity to assess its ascent, descent and integrated systems.
• China Manned Space Agency said the test covered multiple operational scenarios and high technical complexity to verify guidance, navigation, propulsion, engine shutdown and control strategies for a crewed landing.
• Engineered to ferry two astronauts between lunar orbit and the surface, Lanyue also serves as a habitat, power source and communications hub with capacity for a rover and scientific payloads.
• Earlier this year, the Mengzhou crew capsule completed a zero-altitude escape exercise demonstrating its integrated emergency rescue functions designed to safeguard astronauts.
• The tests come as NASA readies Artemis II for a 2026 lunar flyby and Artemis III for a 2027 landing, highlighting intensifying competition over lunar exploration.