Key Takeaways
- China confirms 2030 target for crewed moon landing
- New three-person crew launching to Tiangong space station
- Mission includes biological research with four mice
- Space program advances despite ISS exclusion
China has reaffirmed its commitment to land astronauts on the moon by 2030, announcing the milestone while introducing the next crew for its Tiangong space station. The dual announcements highlight Beijing’s accelerating space ambitions as it positions itself as a major space exploration power.
Moon Mission Progress Confirmed
“Currently, each programme of the research and development work of putting a person on the moon is progressing smoothly,” stated Zhang Jingbo, spokesman for the China Manned Space Programme. He specifically highlighted development of the Long March 10 rocket, moon landing suits, and exploration vehicles as showing significant progress.
“Our fixed goal of China landing a person on the moon by 2030 is firm,” Zhang emphasized during Thursday’s announcement.
New Space Station Crew
Meanwhile, China is preparing to launch its latest rotation of astronauts to the Tiangong space station. The new crew consists of Zhang Lu, Wu Fei, and Zhang Hongzhang, who will launch from the Jiuquan launch center on Friday at 11:44 pm local time.
While Zhang Lu previously visited the station as part of the Shenzhou 15 mission, this will be the first spaceflight for both Wu Fei and Zhang Hongzhang.
Biological Research Mission
The astronauts will conduct important research during their six-month stay, including a unique biological experiment. They are transporting four mice—two males and two females—to study the effects of weightlessness and confinement on living organisms.
Background: Tiangong’s Development
China developed the Tiangong (“Heavenly Palace”) space station after being excluded from the International Space Station program. The exclusion resulted from U.S. national security concerns regarding the Chinese space program’s direct connections to the People’s Liberation Army.
