The country is working on a project to send astronauts to the Moon before 2030
China is actively developing a new carrier rocket and manned spacecraft to achieve your goal of send astronauts to the Moon before 2030. The new carrier rocket, called Long March-10is scheduled for its maiden flight in 2027, according to a rocket expert.
The Long March-10 is primarily designed to launch spacecraft and landers into Earth-Moon transfer orbit. It uses liquid hydrogen, liquid oxygen and kerosene as propellants. The rocket has a total length of approximately 92 metersa takeoff weight of about 2,187 tons, a takeoff thrust of about 2,678 tons, and a payload capacity of at least 27 tons for the Earth-Moon transfer orbit.
Rong Yi, a rocket expert at the Chinese Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), highlighted the unique features of the Long March-10, emphasizing its use of non-toxic liquid oxygen and kerosene as propellants. The rocket has a central diameter of 5 meters and is equipped with a 5-meter diameter booster, resulting in significantly improved payload capacity for Earth-Moon transfer orbit compared to its predecessor, Long March-5.
In addition to the carrier rocket, a new modular manned spacecraft is being developed. This spacecraft consists of an escape tower, a return capsule and a service module, using a modular design that suits both near-Earth and deep space missions. Once astronauts reach the Moon, a lunar lander will transport them to the lunar surface. This ambitious mission reflects China’s commitment to advancing its space exploration capabilities and achieve significant milestones in lunar exploration.