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<\/p>\nChina provided several updates to its lunar exploration plans, while private companies like LandSpace and Space Pioneer are also getting closer to milestones. Meanwhile, the commercial complex in Wenchang is getting ready to host private Chinese rockets.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
China details lunar exploration further<\/b><\/p>\n
In a recent presentation, China detailed its lunar exploration plan for the near future and gave an outlook for the program beyond that. The next mission to the Moon, Queqiao-2, launched in March of this year. This mission, though, is only the beginning of a set of missions for the Chinese lunar exploration plan. Next up, the Chang\u2019e-6 mission, a 53-day long exploration mission, will launch in May of this year on a Chang Zheng 5 rocket.<\/p>\n
With Chang\u2019e-6, China is hoping to return a lunar sample from the far side of the Moon. In a 53-day operation, the spacecraft will land on the lunar surface, collect a surface sample, and return to Earth using a capsule-parachute system. The spacecraft is already at the launch site and being prepared for the launch in the upcoming months.<\/p>\n
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Overview of China\u2019s lunar exploration plan. (Credit: CNSA)<\/p>\n
Chang\u00b4e-7, the follow-up mission, will then focus on environmental and resource surveys of the lunar south pole. The mission is comprised of four main components: an orbiter, lander, rover, and hopper. The orbiter will provide analytic and relay support for the probes. The lander will conduct the soft landing on the moon and host scientific research itself. Aboard the lander will be the rover and the hopper, which will be used to conduct science operations at the Shackleton crater.<\/p>\n
This mission will also use the Chang Zheng 5 rocket and is expected to launch in 2026.<\/p>\n
For Chang\u00b4e-8, China will conduct an in situ resource utilization (ISRU) demonstration. In future missions, ISRU will be used to generate resources on the Moon\u2019s surface, supporting long-term sustainable exploration of the surface.<\/p>\n
The spacecraft for this mission will also potentially go to the Shackleton crater, although three other landing locations are being considered. The spacecraft is expected to launch around 2028, and China is seeking international cooperation for this mission. This mission will also be launched on a Chang Zheng 5.<\/p>\n
Beyond that, China also talked about its International Lunar Research Station, which plans to be a station on the surface of the Moon in the 2030s. A crewed lunar landing by China remains on track before 2030. Similar to plans from NASA and other agencies, China plans to use the Moon as a testbed for its 2040s exploration plans of Mars and beyond.<\/p>\n
Space Pioneer conducts hot fire testing for Tianlong-4<\/b><\/p>\n
The Tianlong-3 rocket from Space Pioneer is taking shape. In a recent update, the company confirmed that the rocket is in assembly and integration and described a major design change. While initially proposed with seven engines, the update confirms that the rocket will feature nine TH-12 engines in the future. So far, the company has produced 41 of the TH-12 engines.<\/p>\n
Tianlong-3 is a medium-lift orbital rocket designed to be partially reusable. The first stage, similar to Falcon 9, will try to perform an autonomous vertical landing maneuver and initially aim to be reusable up to ten times.<\/p>\n