Hey, space fans! 🌟 Big news from the Chinese mainland: the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) just announced a full landing and takeoff test for its new manned lunar lander, Lanyue, at a test site in Hebei Province.
Called Lanyue, this smart spacecraft completed its first extraterrestrial touchdown and ascent demo on Wednesday. It’s a key step in China’s plan to send astronauts to the moon! 🚀🌕
During the test, CMSA validated Lanyue’s descent and ascent scheme, control systems, engine shutdown on lunar touchdown, plus the compatibility between guidance, navigation and control and propulsion subsystems. Think of it as making sure all the onboard tech talks to each other seamlessly.
Lanyue features two main parts: a lunar module and a propulsion module. It can transport two crew members, a lunar rover, and scientific gear between lunar orbit and the moon’s surface.
Post-landing, Lanyue doubles as a mini base—power station, data relay, and living quarters—so astronauts can stay longer on the lunar surface. Imagine your next zoom call from the Sea of Tranquility! 📶🌔
Next up? Actual crewed missions and more tests as the Chinese mainland gears up for future lunar exploration. Stay tuned for updates—our moon adventure is just taking off! 🌌
Reference(s):
China completes first landing, takeoff test of manned lunar lander
cgtn.com
