China Unveils Names of Manned Lunar Lander and New Crew Spaceship
China has taken a significant step forward in its ambitious space exploration program by unveiling the names of its manned lunar lander and new crew spaceship. The announcement was made by the China Manned Space Agency, revealing the names Lanyue and Mengzhou for the lunar lander and crew spaceship, respectively.
Lanyue, which means “Embracing the Moon,” is a name that carries deep symbolism. It first appeared in a poem written by the late Chairman Mao Zedong in 1965. The name represents the Chinese people’s aspiration and confidence in their exploration of the universe and their upcoming expedition to the moon.
On the other hand, Mengzhou, or “Dream Vessel,” represents the responsibility of fulfilling the Chinese nation’s dream of landing on the moon and embarking on a new journey of space adventure. The name captures the essence of the Chinese space program’s mission and the aspirations of the nation.
The China Manned Space Agency highlighted that there will be two models of the Mengzhou spacecraft. One will be used to transport astronauts to the moon, while the other will replace the current spaceship Shenzhou for ferrying crew members between Earth and the Tiangong space station. The Tiangong space station has been orbiting around the Earth for nearly three years, serving as a crucial platform for China’s space exploration endeavors.
The names Lanyue and Mengzhou were chosen from nearly 2,000 proposals solicited from the public. This inclusive approach allowed the Chinese people to actively participate in shaping the identity of their space program.
The development of both the Lanyue lunar lander, Mengzhou spacecraft, and a super-heavy-lift carrier rocket named Long March 10 is progressing well, according to the China Manned Space Agency. These advancements signify China’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of space exploration and strengthening its position as a major player in the global space industry.
China’s plan to conduct its first manned mission to the moon around 2030 is an ambitious goal that showcases the nation’s determination to achieve significant milestones in space exploration. The Lanyue lunar lander, weighing nearly 26 tons, will consist of a landing section and a propulsion section. It will have the capacity to accommodate two astronauts and a 200-kilogram rover, enabling extensive scientific research and exploration on the lunar surface.
The Mengzhou spacecraft, with a length of approximately 9 meters and a diameter of 4.5 meters, will consist of a reentry module and a service module. The reentry module will serve as the control center for the entire craft during spaceflight and house the astronauts. The service module will contain power and propulsion systems, ensuring the smooth operation of the spacecraft.
China’s commitment to space exploration is evident in its meticulous planning and development of advanced technologies. The unveiling of the names Lanyue and Mengzhou reflects the nation’s deep-rooted cultural heritage and its aspirations for space exploration. As China continues to make significant strides in its space program, the world eagerly awaits the realization of its ambitious goals and the groundbreaking discoveries that lie ahead.