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China’s space plans in 2024. Graphic: Xu Zihe/GT
In 2024, China’s manned space program will coordinate two main tasks: the application and development of space stations and manned lunar exploration, officials revealed Thursday. The main products for flying to the Moon, such as launch vehicles, manned spacecraft, landers and lunar suits, have entered the preliminary design and development stage.
Taking solid steps towards the goal of building a strong aerospace nation, all works related to the application and development phase of the space station are progressing steadily according to plan, and various tasks in the lunar exploration project are being developed and investigating without problems, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) told the Global Times on Thursday.
Since entering the application phase of the Tiangong space station, China has successfully completed two cargo resupply missions, two manned missions and two return missions.
Currently, the Shenzhou-17 crew stationed at the Chinese space house is in good physical and mental condition. They are expected to return to Earth in late April, CMSA said.
Two more manned missions and two cargo supply missions to Tiangong are planned for this year. In January, the Tianzhou-7 cargo spacecraft safely arrived at the space station, while subsequent missions include the Shenzhou-18 and -19 crewed flights, as well as the Tianzhou-8 cargo flight.
The taikonaut crews for the Shenzhou-18 and -19 missions have been selected and are undergoing intensive training.
In addition, more than 150 space science research and application projects have been launched into orbit for implementation, covering areas including space life sciences, human research, microgravity physics and new space technologies, which have given rise to numerous advanced technological applications and achievements at an international level.
In addition to manned space engineering projects, China is also considering carrying out the country’s first manned moon landing in 2030. Relevant works related to this goal are being carried out at an accelerated pace.
Major products, including the Long March-10 launch vehicle, Mengzhou new-generation manned spacecraft, Lanyue lunar lander and lunar suits, have entered the preliminary design and development stage according to the plan.
Test launch facilities and equipment supporting the lunar mission at the Wenchang Space Launch Center in South China’s Hainan Province will also be fully underway for construction and various related research and development efforts. with the system they progress steadily.
“China has always upheld the principles of peaceful use of space, characterizing equality and mutual benefit, as well as common development. In the future, we will continue to promote international cooperation projects with organizations such as the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs. ,” the CMSA said.
The agency added that China is willing to share its achievements in the development of human spaceflight with countries around the world, especially developing countries, to jointly promote the development of space technology around the world and make positive contributions to the use peaceful space for the benefit of all humanity.