Flight equipment for China's manned moon mission progresses: CMSA

Flight equipment for China's manned moon mission progresses: CMSA by Simon Mansfield Sydney, Australia (SPX) Apr 25, 2024 The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) is progressing with its planned development of systems for its upcoming lunar landing, as stated by Lin Xiqiang, the deputy director of CMSA, during a recent press conference.

The essential development phases for significant components like the Long March-10 rocket, the manned spacecraft Mengzhou, the lunar lander Lanyue, and the astronaut lunar suit have been completed. Currently, these components are undergoing prototype production and testing phases, Lin explained.

He further detailed that the development of mechanical and thermal testing products for the spacecraft and lander is nearly complete. Various rocket engines are now in ground testing phases, and construction continues at the Wenchang launch site, designated for manned lunar missions.

Lin also mentioned that the agency is reviewing public submissions for the manned lunar rover and payload equipment intended for the lunar surface.

Highlighting the unique requirements of the lunar mission compared to space station operations, Lin noted that astronauts need to learn to manage the Mengzhou spacecraft and Lanyue lander under both standard and emergency conditions. This includes mastering the docking processes and manual navigation during the lander's descent.

Training for astronauts will cover exiting and entering the spacecraft on the moon, walking in one-sixth Earth's gravity, operating the lunar rover over long distances, and conducting geological tasks like drilling and sampling.

"The manned moon exploration initiative represents a significant and complex technological endeavor," Lin remarked. "We are coordinating the development and manufacturing stages carefully to meet the planned mission timeline."

The initiative for a manned lunar landing was launched by China in 2023 with an objective to achieve this milestone by 2030.

Based on a Xinhua News Agency article

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