China outlines roadmap for crewed lunar landing by 2030

China has unveiled a detailed timeline to send taikonauts to the Moon before 2030. According to Wang Xiang, chief architect of the manned lunar program, the mission plan involves a sequence of progressive tests scheduled between 2027 and 2029.

The strategy utilizes the Long March 10 rocket series. In early 2027, the Long March 10A is expected to launch the Mengzhou spacecraft to the Tiangong space station to validate life support and orbital rendezvous systems. In 2028, the program intends to test the 26-ton Lanyue lunar module through an uncrewed mission involving a lunar landing and subsequent liftoff.

The final phase involves a complex orbital rendezvous where two separate launches will be required: one to place the Lanyue module on a lunar trajectory and another to carry the Mengzhou spacecraft with three taikonauts. Once in lunar orbit, two astronauts are planned to descend to the surface for approximately three days, performing daily extravehicular activities. A full uncrewed rehearsal mission is anticipated for 2029. China has identified the Rimae Bode region as a priority landing site.