Astronauts are expected to land on moon before 2030. (PHOTO: VCG)

By CHEN Chunyou

At a news briefing on May 29, Lin Xiqiang, deputy director of China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), announced that China has launched the lunar landing phase of its manned lunar exploration program, and plans to send astronauts to the moon before 2030, indicating a significant advancement in China's space exploration efforts.

The overall goal is to carry out lunar scientific exploration and related technological experiments on the lunar surface, said Lin.

This will lead to a leapfrog development of manned space technology from low-Earth orbit to deep space, said Lin, which will help deepen humankind's understanding of the origin and evolution of the moon and the solar system, and contribute Chinese insight to the development of lunar science.

According to Lin, the goals also include mastering key technologies such as Earth-moon manned roundtrip, lunar surface short-term stay, human-robot joint exploration, accomplishing multiple tasks of landing, roving, sampling, researching and returning, and forming an independent capability of manned lunar exploration.

To complete its mission, CMSA has already initiated related R&D activities, including the development of a new Long March 10 carrying rocket, a lunar landing capsule and a lunar extravehicular suit, while building new rocket testing and launch facilities.

The significance of opening up and cooperation in the space field has also been highlighted. To achieve the goal of sending astronauts to the moon before 2030, various research and construction work will be accelerated.

Further announcements will be made regarding the selection of scientific payloads for the manned lunar mission, plans for the manned lunar rover, and the names of the new-generation manned spacecraft and lunar lander, added Lin.