China's next-generation Long March-10 carrier rocket has achieved a critical milestone, completing its second static fire test at the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in Hainan. The successful 320-second test on Friday marks a major step toward realizing the country's goal of landing astronauts on the moon before 2030.
Engineering Breakthroughs for Lunar Missions
Seven clustered engines on the rocket's first stage underwent rigorous evaluation during the test, focusing on low-thrust operations and restart capabilities. The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) confirmed the trial validated propulsion system performance and reuse potential—key factors for sustainable lunar exploration.
Dual Configurations for Space Ambitions
Developed specifically for crewed moon missions, the Long March-10 series includes two variants: the standard Long March-10 and the Long March-10A. Recent progress extends beyond the rocket itself, with the Mengzhou spacecraft and Lanyue lunar lander also advancing through testing phases.
Infrastructure Expansion Underway
New support facilities are being constructed at the Wenchang launch site as China enters the lunar landing phase of its program. CMSA officials emphasized that all development timelines remain on track, with follow-up rocket tests scheduled in coming months.
