space
February 12, 2026
China showcases new Moon ship and reusable rocket in one extraordinary test
The test marks a significant step in China’s push to land humans on the Moon by 2030.
TL;DR
- China conducted a test flight of a new reusable booster (Long March 10) and crew capsule (Mengzhou).
- The test is a significant breakthrough for China's manned lunar exploration program, aiming for a Moon landing by 2030.
- The Long March 10 booster successfully performed a propulsive landing in the South China Sea after the crew capsule executed an in-flight abort.
- The Mengzhou capsule simulated an emergency escape, deploying parachutes and splashing down safely.
- This test aims to verify key technologies for reusable rockets and crewed lunar missions.
- China is in a race with the United States to achieve the next human landing on the Moon.
- The Mengzhou spacecraft is also intended to replace the Shenzhou capsule for flights to China's space station and is designed for multiple reuses.
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