China is gearing up for ambitious lunar missions with the introduction of giant, reusable rockets slated for launch as early as next year. These rockets, part of China’s lunar program facilitated by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp. (CASC), aim to pave the way for crewed missions to the moon by 2030.
Unlike previous rockets, these new models will be fully reusable, marking a significant step forward in sustainability and cost-effectiveness. The rockets, with diameters of 13 feet (4 meters) and 16 feet (5 meters), are expected to include a variant of the Long March 10, a powerhouse capable of carrying 27 tons into translunar orbit. The Long March 10 is set to play a crucial role in China’s lunar ambitions, including the transportation of astronauts aboard the newly-announced Mengzhou spacecraft in 2030.
While details about the second reusable spacecraft and the 2026 launch remain undisclosed, speculations suggest a potential test launch of the Long March 10 carrying a next-generation crew capsule as soon as 2025.
The introduction of these reusable rockets from CASC is expected to enhance China’s launch capabilities and access to space, providing competition to the country’s burgeoning commercial rocket sector. CASC has already demonstrated progress, with successful vertical take-off and landing hover tests in 2023 and significant technological breakthroughs in reusable rocketry.
With preparations underway and progress reported as “very smooth,” China’s endeavors signify a significant leap forward in lunar exploration and space travel capabilities.
