China tests Dream Vessel that will take its astronauts to the Moon
This spacecraft is modular and capable of carrying up to seven astronauts, with variants configured for near-Earth operations and deep-space missions such as lunar expeditions. The success of the escape test lays a strong technical foundation for China's manned lunar missions planned for the coming years.In a landmark test conducted in Hebei province, north China, the Lanyue lunar lander underwent comprehensive trials that simulated lunar surface conditions, including terrain features like rocks and craters and lunar soil reflectivity.This test, the first of its kind for an extraterrestrial landing and takeoff by a Chinese manned spacecraft, validated the lander's ability to safely touch down and ascend from the Moon's surface.Lanyue, meaning "Embrace the Moon," is designed not only to ferry astronauts between lunar orbit and the surface but also to serve as a habitat, power station, and command hub during their stay. It has features including a lunar rover and life support systems, making it central to future lunar surface missions.China's lunar ambitions extend beyond individual missions. Plans are underway to build a "basic model" of the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) by around 2035 near the Moon's south pole.This base, a joint effort with Russia and potentially other international partners, aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon, powered by a combination of solar arrays and a nuclear reactor on the lunar surface. The ILRS will support scientific research and serve as a stepping stone for deeper space exploration, including crewed Mars missions.Together, the successful tests of Mengzhou and Lanyue mark major milestones in China's lunar exploration strategy, aiming to achieve a manned landing before 2030 and construct a lunar base that could become a hub of international scientific cooperation and long-term space habitation. - EndsMust Watch
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