Latest news with #Lanyue
Euronews
11-08-2025
- Science
- Euronews
Space Race 2.0? US speeding plans to build nuclear reactor on the Moon
The United States is fast-tracking plans to build a nuclear reactor on the Moon in response to China and Russia's growing activity in space. US media reported last week that Sean Duffy, NASA's interim administrator and US transportation secretary, said the country could complete the project as early as 2030. It will also be much stronger than anticipated; while previous designs assumed the nuclear reactor would have around 40 kilowatt power, it's now expected to 100 kW. This dramatic increase in power is expected to provide stable power for future bases on the Moon. The facility will be built as part of the international Artemis programme, overseen by NASA, which aims to send people to the Moon and prepare for future expeditions to Mars. In addition to the nuclear reactor itself, a full supporting infrastructure – from transmission networks to energy storage – will be extremely important. The project's acceleration heralds a new era of global competition beyond Earth. Is the 2030 deadline possible? According to experts, the 2030 deadline is ambitious but technically possible. NASA and the US Department of Energy are now working to develop a fission surface power system to provide at least 40 kW of power, which NASA said would be enough to run 30 households for 10 years. Reactors have to operate reliably under extreme conditions: temperature fluctuations from daytime heat to nighttime frosts as low as -200° Celsius, no atmosphere, and limited cooling. Reactors must therefore be sealed, safe, and able to manage heat in low pressure and lower gravity conditions. In addition, rocket launches carry the risk of failure. The reactor would be sent in an "unactivated" state to minimise the risk of contamination in the event of a catastrophe. Competition to establish on the Moon Under the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, no one can claim territory on the Moon. But for technical reasons, security zones around the reactor could effectively block other countries' access to strategic areas. "The first country to [place a reactor on the Moon] could potentially declare a keep-out zone which would significantly inhibit the United States from establishing a planned Artemis presence if not there first," Duffy said. China is already testing its Lanyue lunar lander, which it expects to carry humans to the Moon by 2030. Working with Russia, China plans to build an International Lunar Research Station by 2035, possibly with its own nuclear plant on the Moon. Technological partnership with Europe European activity in lunar exploration is not limited to support for the Artemis programme. European countries are pursuing their own advanced projects that can not only inspire US ventures, but often feed directly into them. The Italian project SELENE (Lunar Energy Systems with Nuclear Energy) involves the construction of a "Moon Energy Hub," a stable energy source on the Moon based on small energy sources known as surface nuclear reactors. The Italian Space Agency (ASI) is also working with NASA to develop a module that could serve as a place of refuge for astronauts on the Moon. The European Space Agency (ESA) is implementing the Moonlight programme to create a constellation of five satellites orbiting the Moon, four for navigation and one for communication. The initiative, supported by Italy and the United Kingdom, expects to support more than 400 lunar missions over the next 20 years. Spanish technology company GMV developed the LUPIN system, which allows precise navigation on the Moon using satellite signals – similar to GPS but adapted to lunar conditions. Tests were carried out in Fuerteventura, an island off the coast of North Africa that has a landscape resembling the lunar surface. The company Airbus is working with the ESA on a transport vehicle capable of carrying cargo to the International Space Station. In parallel, scientists are developing the EL3 (European Large Logistic Lander), a modular lander to deliver payloads and samples to the lunar surface in support of European exploration autonomy. The LUNA centre, a joint initiative between the ESA and Germany's aerospace centre, is under construction in Cologne. It is a 700-metre hall that replicates the Moon's surface, with a layer of rock and lighting systems that mimic the day and night cycle. It is used to train astronauts and test robots, human-machine interaction, energy systems, and to simulate surface operations. Return to the Moon The space race is entering a new phase in which energy independence beyond Earth plays a key role. The lunar reactor is becoming not only an engineering project, but also a tool of strategic competition, determining technological and political superiority. By 2030, we may witness not only the return of humans to the Moon, but also the establishment of the first permanent energy installations, which will become the foundation for a long-term human presence in space. At the same time, questions of law, security and international cooperation arise. Although the Outer Space Treaty prohibits the "appropriation" of this natural satellite of the Earth, the practice of security zones may introduce a new form of space geopolitics. Europe, with its wide range of projects, can become not only a partner but also an independent player in this process, combining technological innovation with an active role in shaping the standards of lunar exploration. If these plans are realised, the future landscape of the Moon could look more like an industrial technology park than a quiet, untouched space desert. This is the beginning of an era in which the question is not whether bases will be established on the Moon, but under what rules and who will set them.
The Star
09-08-2025
- Science
- The Star
China completes key Lanyue lander test for crewed moon mission by 2030
China has completed a critical landing and take-off test of its crewed lunar lander, moving a step closer to putting astronauts on the moon before 2030. A prototype of the four-legged Lanyue lander – designed to ferry two astronauts between lunar orbit and the surface – underwent a comprehensive trial on Wednesday in Huailai county, in northern China's Hebei province, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) announced on Thursday.
Miami Herald
08-08-2025
- Science
- Miami Herald
China Announces Breakthrough in Planned Moon Landing
China announced a major breakthrough in its planned moon landing mission as the East Asian power and the United States race to send humans back to Earth's natural satellite. China is moving toward its goal of landing astronauts on the moon by 2030. Meanwhile, the U.S.—the first and, to date, only country to land humans on the moon—has planned its crewed moon landing mission for mid-2027. However, the program's progress has faced challenges. Newsweek has contacted NASA via email for updates on its moon landing mission. During the height of the Cold War between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, NASA launched the Apollo program, which landed the first humans on the moon in 1969. A total of six lunar landing missions—with 12 astronauts—were conducted until the program ended in 1972. China is advancing several space programs as it pushes for supremacy in this domain. In addition to its moon landing mission, it has constructed a network of 16 space-enabling facilities in Latin America while operating a modern space station known as the Tiangong. The space race between China and the U.S. could define whether the 21st century is the Chinese or American century, Colonel Terry Virts, a former NASA astronaut, previously told Newsweek, warning that China could absolutely beat the U.S. back to the moon. The China Manned Space Agency announced that its manned lunar lander—named Lanyue, which means embracing the moon—successfully completed the first "comprehensive landing and takeoff test" at a test site in Huailai County in Hebei province, northern China, on Wednesday. Footage of the test shows the lander—a test vehicle—igniting its rocket engines while descending to the ground. Meanwhile, a ladderlike structure can be seen installed on the outside of the lander, which could be used by astronauts to exit onto the moon's surface. The event marked the first time China tested the "extraterrestrial landing and takeoff capabilities" of a manned spacecraft, according to the agency, which described the test as a breakthrough in the research and development of its manned lunar exploration program. According to Xinhua News Agency, the Lanyue consists of two modules—one for landing and the other for propulsion. It is designed to transport two astronauts between the moon's orbit and its surface. The lander serves as a base during astronauts' activities on the moon. The design of Lanyue is similar to that used in the Apollo program. The Apollo Lunar Module consisted of an upper stage—which contained a crew compartment and an ascent rocket engine—and a lower stage that had the landing gear and a rocket engine for descent. China is also advancing another moon mission aimed at building the International Lunar Research Station, a scientific experimental facility located both on the moon's surface and in its orbit. The project's two phases are scheduled for completion by 2035 and 2050, respectively. China's Global Times reported on Thursday: "The test validated key systems, including the lander's design, control strategies, lunar contact shutdown procedures, and interface compatibility between subsystems such as GNC (Guidance, Navigation, and Control) and propulsion." U.S. Transportation Secretary and interim NASA Administrator Sean Duffy outlined a plan to build a nuclear reactor on the moon on Tuesday: "We're in a race to the moon, in a race with China to the moon. And to have a base on the moon, we need energy." Besides the moon landing mission, U.S. President Donald Trump pledged to send astronauts to Mars, a goal supported by billionaire Elon Musk of SpaceX, who believes the moon "is a distraction." Related Articles US Ally Throws Down Gauntlet at ChinaMap Shows China Surrounded by ConflictsUS Intelligence Flight Detected on China's DoorstepUS Ally Near China Receives Major Boost to F-35 Fleet 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
08-08-2025
- Science
- Newsweek
China Announces Breakthrough in Planned Moon Landing
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. China announced a major breakthrough in its planned moon landing mission as the East Asian power and the United States race to send humans back to Earth's natural satellite. China is moving toward its goal of landing astronauts on the moon by 2030. Meanwhile, the U.S.—the first and, to date, only country to land humans on the moon—has planned its crewed moon landing mission for mid-2027. However, the program's progress has faced challenges. Newsweek has contacted NASA via email for updates on its moon landing mission. Why It Matters During the height of the Cold War between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, NASA launched the Apollo program, which landed the first humans on the moon in 1969. A total of six lunar landing missions—with 12 astronauts—were conducted until the program ended in 1972. China is advancing several space programs as it pushes for supremacy in this domain. In addition to its moon landing mission, it has constructed a network of 16 space-enabling facilities in Latin America while operating a modern space station known as the Tiangong. The space race between China and the U.S. could define whether the 21st century is the Chinese or American century, Colonel Terry Virts, a former NASA astronaut, previously told Newsweek, warning that China could absolutely beat the U.S. back to the moon. What To Know The China Manned Space Agency announced that its manned lunar lander—named Lanyue, which means embracing the moon—successfully completed the first "comprehensive landing and takeoff test" at a test site in Huailai County in Hebei province, northern China, on Wednesday. Video of Lanyue test vehicle when descending with original environment sound. Via weibo / China航天 — Ace of Razgriz (@raz_liu) August 8, 2025 Footage of the test shows the lander—a test vehicle—igniting its rocket engines while descending to the ground. Meanwhile, a ladderlike structure can be seen installed on the outside of the lander, which could be used by astronauts to exit onto the moon's surface. The event marked the first time China tested the "extraterrestrial landing and takeoff capabilities" of a manned spacecraft, according to the agency, which described the test as a breakthrough in the research and development of its manned lunar exploration program. According to Xinhua News Agency, the Lanyue consists of two modules—one for landing and the other for propulsion. It is designed to transport two astronauts between the moon's orbit and its surface. The lander serves as a base during astronauts' activities on the moon. The design of Lanyue is similar to that used in the Apollo program. The Apollo Lunar Module consisted of an upper stage—which contained a crew compartment and an ascent rocket engine—and a lower stage that had the landing gear and a rocket engine for descent. In this photo provided by the China Manned Space Agency on August 7, China's manned lunar lander conducts a landing and takeoff test in Huailai County, Hebei province, northern China. In this photo provided by the China Manned Space Agency on August 7, China's manned lunar lander conducts a landing and takeoff test in Huailai County, Hebei province, northern China. China Manned Space Agency China is also advancing another moon mission aimed at building the International Lunar Research Station, a scientific experimental facility located both on the moon's surface and in its orbit. The project's two phases are scheduled for completion by 2035 and 2050, respectively. What People Are Saying China's Global Times reported on Thursday: "The test validated key systems, including the lander's design, control strategies, lunar contact shutdown procedures, and interface compatibility between subsystems such as GNC (Guidance, Navigation, and Control) and propulsion." U.S. Transportation Secretary and interim NASA Administrator Sean Duffy outlined a plan to build a nuclear reactor on the moon on Tuesday: "We're in a race to the moon, in a race with China to the moon. And to have a base on the moon, we need energy." What Happens Next Besides the moon landing mission, U.S. President Donald Trump pledged to send astronauts to Mars, a goal supported by billionaire Elon Musk of SpaceX, who believes the moon "is a distraction."
Indian Express
08-08-2025
- Science
- Indian Express
China's manned lunar lander ‘Lanyue' completes testing, marks milestone
China has completed testing for the landing and take-off of its manned lunar lander, Lanyue, which translates to 'embrace the moon.' According to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), the trial was carried out in Hebei Province, marking the country's first-ever test of an extraterrestrial landing and take-off for a manned spacecraft. CMSA, which oversees China's spaceflight programmes, confirmed that all major systems performed as intended, without errors. These included the control systems, ascent and descent plans, and engine shutdown process. The test also verified that key subsystems—such as propulsion, guidance, navigation, and control (GNC)—are compatible and capable of operating as a single unit during a lunar mission. Designed specifically for China's planned manned lunar expeditions, Lanyue consists of two main components: a lunar module and a propulsion module. Its two-part design allows it to transport two astronauts, a lunar rover, and other research payloads between lunar orbit and the Moon's surface. The spacecraft supports long-duration missions and can conduct scientific studies on-site. Once on the Moon, Lanyue will function both as a transport vehicle and a habitable activity centre for astronauts. Its architecture integrates living quarters, a data relay station, and a power hub—enabling extended stays and wider surface exploration. The multipurpose design reflects China's ambition to establish a sustained human presence on the Moon. In a statement, CMSA noted: 'The test involved multiple operational conditions, a lengthy testing period, and high technical complexity, making it a critical milestone in the development of China's manned lunar exploration programme.' Over the past five years, China has become the only country to successfully retrieve lunar samples from both the Moon's near and far sides through its unmanned missions.
