China has successfully completed its first ever moon lander test, envisioned to achieve manned mission by 2030.
This marks a groundbreaking achievement in its lunar space exploration and was announced officially on Thursday.
Initially, the comprehensive landing and takeoff test was conducted, aimed at providing a more focused and engaging experience.
The trial test was held at the celestial landing site in Huailai country, Hebei province on Wednesday.
The latest move marks the first time China has tested the landing in line with its abilities of a spacecraft designed to travel to a natural object existing outside the earth’s atmosphere.
According to the Case Management Society of America (CMSA), the successful trial is the crucial depiction in China’s manned lunar project, which laid the foundation for future moon landings.
Further it was confirmed by CMSA that this test involves complex working conditions such as long preparation cycles and technical challenges.
Lanyue has a pivotal role in China’s manned lunar mission. The prime motive of the lunar lander is its responsibility for transporting astronauts and supplies between lunar orbit and the surface.
It also keeps a check on astronaut activities and is particularly designed to retain safety and comfort with the advancement of smart technologies.
Lanyue is consisted of two parts:
It preserves the ability to carry two astronauts at the same time, and the vehicle is capable of carrying a lunar rover which aims for scientific exploration and deals with astronaut equipment, and data processing during their stay on the moon.
Senior official at China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, Huang Zhen clarified about security concerns stating, “Safety is always the top priority in manned spaceflight.”
He further explained, “We’ve designed the lander with engine redundancy, meaning even if one engine fails, the crew can still be brought back safely to lunar orbit and ultimately home.”
Meanwhile, the lander also needs support for the astronauts' living conditions in order to carry transportation between orbit and the lunar surface while sweeping the moon.
Nevertheless, China's prime focus is to embark on a mission to land its astronauts on the moon by 2030. Lanyue plays a key role to achieve this target.
The latest trial underlines the nation’s growing intention in space exploration and brings its manned lunar goals, a close step towards reality.
