Key points
- Zhang Lu, Wu Fei, Zhang Hongzhang join space station
- Four mice will study weightlessness effects
- China excluded from ISS due to security concerns
JIUQUAN: China announced that it is on track to land astronauts on the moon by 2030, unveiling the next crew of astronauts who will join its space station as part of the country’s ambitious plans to become a leader in space exploration.
“Currently, each programme of the research and development work of putting a person on the moon is progressing smoothly,” stated Zhang Jingbo, spokesperson for the China Manned Space Programme. He highlighted the Long March 10 rocket, moon landing suits, and exploration vehicles as significant achievements in this effort. “Our fixed goal of China landing a person on the moon by 2030 is firm,” reports AP News.
In addition, China is preparing to send its latest rotation of astronauts to the Tiangong space station as part of its ongoing mission to complete the station, an essential component of its broader space exploration plans. Each team of astronauts stays in the station for six months to conduct research.
New crew members
The new crew members joining those already aboard will include Zhang Lu, Wu Fei, and Zhang Hongzhang. They are scheduled to launch from the Jiuquan launch centre on Friday at 11:44 p.m. local time. Zhang Lu previously participated in the Shenzhou 15 mission to the station, while for Wu and Zhang, this will be their first trip to space.
The astronauts will also bring four mice—two male and two female—with them on the mission. These animals will be used to study the effects of weightlessness and confinement.
China began developing the Tiangong, or “Heavenly Palace,” after being excluded from the International Space Station due to US national security concerns about the Chinese space programme’s close ties to the People’s Liberation Army.
