China Integrates Lunar Exploration Programs, Prepares for Manned Moon Landing by 2030
Quick Look
China announced the integration of its manned and unmanned lunar exploration programs into a unified "Lunar Exploration Project." Preparations are underway for the Chang'e-7 mission in the latter half of the year, and the country aims for its first manned moon landing before 2030.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
China is consolidating its manned and unmanned lunar exploration efforts into a single "Lunar Exploration Project." This integration aims to leverage decades of accumulated technical expertise and practical experience from programs like the Chang'e missions.
中新网酒泉5月23日电 (记者 马帅莎 周昕)5月23日，神舟二十三号载人飞行任务新闻发布会在酒泉卫星发射中心举行。中国载人航天工程新闻发言人张静波在会上表示，为充分利用载人航天工程、嫦娥工程几十年积累的技术积淀与实践经验，中国对现有载人登月和无人探月从任务、资源、队伍3个方面进行整合，整合后统称为“月球探测工程”。
张静波说，前期，长征十号运载火箭、梦舟载人飞船在完成系留点火试验和零高度逃逸飞行试验后，相关产品进行了可重复使用适应性改造。在此基础上，今年年初，成功实施了长征十号运载火箭系统低空演示验证与梦舟载人飞船系统最大动压逃逸飞行试验，为后续可重复使用载人天地往返运输系统和载人登月打下了坚实基础。
张静波表示，今年4月，嫦娥七号探测器已运抵中国文昌发射场，目前正在进行嫦娥七号任务发射前测试准备，各项工作正按计划有序推进，计划于下半年择机发射。嫦娥七号任务将采用绕、落、巡、飞跃等综合探测方式进行月球南极环境与资源勘察，并开展国际合作。
张静波表示，后续，我们还将按计划组织完成长征十号运载火箭技术验证飞行、梦舟载人飞船和揽月着陆器首次飞行等重要任务，全力以赴为如期实现2030年前中国人首次登陆月球的目标而努力奋斗。(完)
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
China will successfully launch the Chang'e-7 mission.
Very likely · Within months
China will achieve its first manned moon landing by 2030.
Likely · Within years
The Long March 10 rocket and Mengzhou spacecraft will be adapted for reusability.
Very likely · Within months
Open Questions
- What specific international partners will be involved in the Chang'e-7 mission?
- What are the detailed technical specifications and objectives for the Long March 10 rocket and Mengzhou spacecraft's reusability?
- What are the precise timelines for the technical verification flight of the Long March 10 and the first flight of the Mengzhou spacecraft and Yuehua lander?
- What are the specific resource targets for the Chang'e-7 mission in the lunar south pole?
