The lunar lander, named Lanyue, which means embracing the moon, consists of both a landing module and a propulsion module. It is a newly developed spacecraft designed to support crewed missions to and from the moon.
It will be used to transport two cosmonauts between the lunar orbit and the lunar surface — and will carry a lunar rover and other scientific payloads. After landing, the lander will serve as a life-support centre, an energy centre and a data centre, offering assistance and serving as a base for the cosmonauts’ stay and activities on the moon’s surface.
Noting that the test was complex with a long cycle and technical challenges, the space agency said the success represents a breakthrough in research and development in terms of China’s manned lunar exploration programme.
SANGHA KOMMUNE (SSR) 