China Advances Crewed Moon Program with Successful Heavy-Lift Rocket Test

China has completed a significant milestone in its lunar exploration roadmap, conducting a full-scale flight test of a next-generation heavy-lift rocket and a prototype spacecraft intended for future crewed missions to the Moon.

The test launch took place at the Wenchang Space Launch Center in Hainan Province, where a developmental version of the Mengzhou spacecraft was carried aboard a Long March 10 rocket. The mission focused on validating critical safety and recovery systems designed for human spaceflight.

First High-Stress Escape System Test

A key objective of the flight was to evaluate the spacecraft’s launch escape system under conditions of maximum aerodynamic pressure, commonly referred to as Max-Q — the point during ascent when structural stress on a rocket is at its peak.

During the test sequence, the return capsule separated from the launch vehicle and activated its escape mechanism. The system successfully pulled the capsule away from the booster, simulating an emergency scenario. The capsule then descended safely using parachutes and splashed down in the South China Sea.

Engineers recovered the spacecraft following splashdown, allowing teams to collect performance data and assess system integrity.

Multiple Milestones Achieved

According to China’s human spaceflight authorities, the mission marked several operational firsts:

• The maiden integrated test flight of the Long March 10 heavy-lift rocket

• The first in-flight escape test conducted under maximum dynamic pressure

• A sea-based recovery of both a crewed spacecraft return capsule and a reusable first-stage booster

The recovery of the booster reflects ongoing efforts to incorporate reusable technology into China’s launch systems, a move aimed at improving cost efficiency and long-term sustainability in space operations.

Strategic Step Toward Lunar Ambitions

The successful demonstration strengthens China’s timeline for sending astronauts to the Moon in the coming years. The Long March 10 rocket is expected to serve as a core launch vehicle for assembling lunar mission components in orbit and transporting crews beyond low Earth orbit.

China has steadily expanded its space capabilities over the past decade, including building and operating its own modular space station and completing robotic lunar sample-return missions. The latest test underscores the country’s intent to play a leading role in the next phase of human lunar exploration.

Further tests and system refinements are expected before the rocket and spacecraft are certified for operational crewed missions.