China advances strategy to take astronauts to the Moon by 2030 with unified program
China confirmed that the manned Shenzhou-23 mission successfully docked with Tiangong, the country’s modular space station, consolidating China’s presence in space.
In an event that preceded the launch of Shenzhou-23, the Asian nation had announced on May 23, 2026 the creation of the Lunar Exploration Program. This initiative’s main objective is to integrate the operations of the Chang’e robotic lunar probe with the country’s manned space program.
Zhang Jingbo, spokesperson for CMSA (China Manned Space Agency), publicly stated his commitment to spare no effort to achieve the first Chinese landing on the Moon with a crew by the year 2030.
On the same topic: China launches Shenzhou 23 with astronauts to Tiangong station in May
The CMSA representative detailed that, to optimize the use of human spaceflight programs, all actions related to the manned landing on the Moon will be combined in terms of missions, resources and teams. This represents strategic value as unification seeks to maximize the efficiency and achievement of Chinese lunar objectives.
Strategic Integration for the 2030 Moon Goal
Zhang reinforced that the missions currently underway by China are intended to establish a solid foundation for the planned first manned lunar landing, which is scheduled to take place by 2030.
He also mentioned carrying out low-altitude demonstration tests. These trials, conducted with Long March-10 rocket systems, were focused on evaluating the escape capability under maximum dynamic pressure conditions of the Mengzhou manned spacecraft system, setting the stage for future astronaut transports to the Moon.
Next essential missions for lunar exploration
In this context, the Chang’e-7 lunar probe was transferred in April to the Wenchang Space Launch Center, in China, where pre-launch tests are already underway. The forecast for its launch is the second half of 2026.
The Chang’e-7 mission includes several activities, such as in-orbit operations, landing, exploration of the lunar environment and the use of a specialized vehicle to study the environment and resources at the south pole of the Moon. Furthermore, it aims to promote international cooperation.
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“Soon, we plan to finish some missions of great importance,” Jingbo declared. The plans include technical verification flights of the Long March-10A launch rocket, as well as the maiden flights of the Mengzhou spacecraft and the Lanyue lunar landing module.
Tiangong space station supports technological development
The spokesperson found that the Chinese space station has maintained stable operation in orbit for almost four years. However, crucial technologies for manned landings on the natural satellite are still being implemented and verified.
The Long March-10A rocket and the Mengzhou spacecraft represent integral components of an essential development engineering project for the exploration of the Moon.
Zhang pointed out that through verifications carried out on multiple flight missions to the space station over the next two years, there will be a significant advancement in the technical maturity and reliability required for China’s first manned landing on the Moon.
Learn more: Artemis II mission validates NASA systems for return to the Moon in 2027
Ji Qiming, another spokesperson for China’s manned space program, told CGTN (China Global Television Network) that the space station plays a vital support role for future manned landings, providing training for experienced astronauts and highly qualified aerospace research teams.
Missions involving Long March-10A and Mengzhou are also focused on continually improving the safety, reliability and technical maturity of landing systems.
