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Mengzhou (spacecraft)

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Mengzhou
Mengzhou spacecraft mockup displayed in 2023
ManufacturerChina Academy of Space Technology
Country of originChina
OperatorChina Manned Space Agency
ApplicationsTiangong space station crew and cargo transport
Crewed exploration beyond LEO
Specifications
Spacecraft typeCrewed
Launch mass
  • Total mass: 14,000 kg (31,000 lb) (LEO configuration)[1]
  • Total mass: 21,600 kg (47,600 lb) (lunar configuration)[2]
  • Maximum mass: 23,000 kg (51,000 lb)[3]
    New version: 26,000 kg (57,000 lb)[4]
Dry massCrew module: 5,600 kg (12,300 lb) (landing mass)[5]
Payload capacity
  • Total payload: 4,000 kg (8,800 lb)
  • Recoverable payload:2,500 kg (5,500 lb)[1]
Crew capacity
  • 6-7 crew
  • 3 crew with 500 kg (1,100 lb) cargo[6]
VolumeCrew module: 13 m3 (459 ft3)[1]
PowerSolar
RegimeLow Earth orbit, lunar Transfer Orbit, lunar orbit
Design life21 days[7]
Dimensions
Length
  • Total length: 7.23 metres (23.7 ft) (LEO configuration)[1]
  • Total length: 8.8 metres (29 ft) (lunar configuration)[2]
DiameterCrew module: 4.5 metres (15 ft)[5]
Production
StatusTesting
Built2
Launched2[a]
Maiden launchLM5B-Y1 (5 May 2020)

The Mengzhou (Chinese: 梦舟; pinyin: mèng zhōu; lit. 'Dream Vessel'), formerly known as the Next-Generation Crewed Spacecraft,[b] is crewed spacecraft in development by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). Its crewed flight capability is expected around 2027–2028.[8] It comprises a seven-astronaut capacity crew module and an expendable service module for propulsion, solar power, and life support. Its role is similar to the operational US Orion and projected Russian Orel lunar spacecraft.

The lunar landing version[c] is designed to enter lunar orbit and dock with the Lanyue lander, each separately launched on a Long March 10 rocket. Unlike Shenzhou, China's only crewed spacecraft since 2005, it will be more radiation hardened and suitable for the more ionized atmospheric entry at lunar return velocity.[10] The near-Earth version[d] focuses on reusability,[10] launching crews on the Long March 10A to the Tiangong space station, replacing Shenzhou. Both versions will be the first crewed flights from China's southernmost Wenchang Space Launch Site in Hainan.

Uncrewed orbital return tests were conducted with a scale model in 2016 and full-scale craft aboard a Long March 5B in 2020; the latter used a skip maneuver re-entry from medium Earth orbit. After a 2025 pad abort test, in February 2026 a Mengzhou craft was mated to a Long March 10 test stage, testing the launch escape system during the max q flight phase. The Mengzhou 1 uncrewed test flight aims to dock with Tiangong in late 2026.

Nomenclature

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The spacecraft's name, Mengzhou (lit. 'dream vessel'), references the goal of lunar exploration and has been associated with Xi Jinping's Chinese Dream concept. The crewed lunar lander's name, Lanyue (揽月; lǎn yuè; 'embracing the Moon'), derives from a line in Mao Zedong's 1965 poem "Climbing Jinggang Mountain", in which embracing the Moon is described as an aspiration. The names were announced in February 2024 following a public naming competition. Commentators have described the pairing of references to Xi Jinping and Mao Zedong in the spacecraft names as symbolically linking the two leaders.[11][12][13]

Overview

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Diagram of the next generation crewed spacecraft tested in 2020

Intended to replace the Shenzhou spacecraft, the new vehicle is larger and lunar-capable. It consists of two modules: a crew module that returns to Earth, and an expendable service module to provide propulsion, power and life support for the crew module while in space.[14] It is capable of carrying six astronauts, or three astronauts and 500 kg (1,100 lb) of cargo.[15] The new crew module is partially reusable with its detachable heat shields, while the spacecraft as a whole features a modular design that allows it to be constructed to meet different mission demands.[14] With its propulsion and power module, the crew spacecraft measures nearly 8.8 metres (29 ft) long. It weighs around 21,600 kg (47,600 lb) fully loaded with equipment and propellant, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).[16] Lunar missions undertaken by the Mengzhou spacecraft and the Lanyue lander are planned by 2030.[17][14]

The returned test vehicle was temporarily displayed at the Zhuhai Airshow in 2021.[18]

On 29 October 2024, CMSA announced that a series of major ground tests have been completed on the spacecraft, including an integrated airdrop test.[19]

Test flights

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2016

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The maiden flight of the Long March 7 launched from the Wenchang Space Launch Site on 25 June 2016 at 12:00 UTC, carrying a scaled prototype of Mengzhou known as the multipurpose spacecraft scale return capsule.[7] The capsule returned successfully, landing in the desert of Mongolia on 26 June 2016 at 07:41 UTC.[20]

2020

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The test flight of Long March 5B with the Mengzhou test vehicle as primary payload.

The Long March 5B test flight on 5 May 2020 at 10:00 UTC from Wenchang carried two payloads: a Mengzhou prototype as the primary payload and a demonstration flexible inflatable cargo re-entry capsule as a secondary payload.[21] The Mengzhou prototype evaluated avionics, orbital performance, heat shielding, parachute deployment, and a cushioned airbag landing system, successfully re-entering on 8 May 2020 at 05:49 UTC in northwestern China.[22][23] The secondary payload, intended to test a flexible heat shield for cargo return, was scheduled to re-enter on 6 May 2020 but malfunctioned during descent.[24][25][26][27][28]

Mengzhou 2020 prototype return capsule during post landing ceremony.

During its orbital test, the Mengzhou prototype performed seven orbit-raising maneuvers to reach a final apogee of approximately 8,000 kilometres (5,000 mi).[27] The vehicle executed a de-orbit burn at 05:21 UTC, followed by separation of the service and crew modules at 05:33 UTC. Before atmospheric re-entry, the capsule performed a skip maneuver using aerodynamic lift to reduce peak heating, a technique suitable for high-speed returns such as from the Moon. It then deployed three parachutes and airbags for a safe landing. CMSA reported that the re-entry velocity exceeded 9 kilometres per second (5.6 mi/s).[29][30][31]

2025

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On 17 June 2025, CMSA conducted a zero-altitude abort (also known as a pad abort test) test using a Mengzhou test article at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. The test, designed to evaluate crew-safety systems in the event of an emergency on the pad or during the initial stages of a launch, was declared fully successful by CMSA.[32]

2026

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On 11 February 2026, CMSA conducted an in-flight abort test during the maximum dynamic pressure (max q) phase of a Long March 10 (CZ-10) launch at Launch Complex 301 of the Wenchang Space Launch Site. The test involved a Mengzhou test article and a CZ-10 first-stage test article. The CZ-10 launch-abort system successfully propelled Mengzhou away from the rocket approximately 65 seconds into flight, at an altitude of about 11 kilometres (6.8 mi) and a pressure of 27 kilopascals (3.9 psi).[33] Both test articles landed safely at sea, with the crew module descending by parachute and the first stage using a controlled, rocket-assisted splashdown.[34][35][36]

Development test flights
Mission Launch (UTC) Launch site Launch vehicle Outcome Duration
Scale return capsule test 25 June 2016, 12:00 Wenchang, LC‑201 Long March 7 Success 1 day, 19 hours, 41 minutes
Spacecraft test 5 May 2020, 10:00 Wenchang, LC‑101 Long March 5B Success 2 days, 19 hours, 49 minutes
Pad abort test 17 June 2025, 04:30 Jiuquan Launch escape system Success ~2 minutes
Max q abort test 11 February 2026, 03:00 Wenchang, LC‑301 Long March 10 test stage Success 14 minutes, 25 seconds[e]

Mission summary

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The China Manned Space Agency announced on 30 October 2025 that the first uncrewed orbital mission of the Mengzhou spacecraft will occur in 2026.[37]

See also

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Notes

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  1. ↑ Includes prototypes and both orbital and suborbital launches
  2. ↑ 新一代载人飞船; xīnyīdài zàirén fēichuán
  3. ↑ 登月版; dēng yuè bǎn[9]
  4. ↑ 近地版; jìn dì bǎn[9]
  5. ↑ Official video feeds of the launch show the CZ-10 lift off at 11:00:08 from LC-301 and the Mengzhou crew module splash down in the South China Sea at 11:14:33.

References

[edit]
  1. 1 2 3 4 "我国"新一代"载人飞船取得突破性进展，一次可搭载6-7名宇航员". Sina News. 2 March 2020.
  2. 1 2 "新一代载人飞船试验船运抵文昌发射场". Xinhua News Agency. 21 January 2020. Archived from the original on 26 January 2020.
  3. ↑ "中国新一代载人飞船新在哪儿". Beijing Daily. 13 May 2020.
  4. ↑ "中国载人登月初步方案公布，登月装备研制进展如何？" (in Simplified Chinese). 新华网. 20 July 2023. Retrieved 21 July 2023.
  5. 1 2 "我国新一代载人飞船试验船返回舱成功着陆 如何迎接它回家？". CCTV News (in Chinese). 8 May 2020.
  6. ↑ "新一代载人飞船试验船测试全面展开". China Manned Space. 23 March 2020.
  7. 1 2 Rui C. Barbosa (25 June 2016). "China successfully debuts Long March 7 – Recovers capsule". NASASpaceflight.
  8. ↑ "China may launch next-generation crewed spacecraft as early as 2027". Reuters. 18 July 2023.
  9. 1 2 "载人探月重要突破！"长十""梦舟"携手创下多项首次-新华网". www.news.cn. Retrieved 22 May 2026.
  10. 1 2 "This Is China's New Spacecraft to Take Astronauts to the Moon (Photos)". Space.com. Archived from the original on 29 March 2020. Retrieved 22 May 2026.
  11. ↑ "China unveils names for manned lunar exploration vehicles | english.scio.gov.cn". english.scio.gov.cn. Retrieved 21 May 2026.
  12. ↑ Seger Yu [@SegerYu] (24 February 2024). "CMS 说新一代载人飞船叫"梦舟（Mengzhou, MZ）"；月面着陆器叫"揽月（Lanyue, LY）"。" (Tweet) – via X (formerly Twitter).
  13. ↑ Zhao Lei (24 February 2024). "Chinese lunar lander and new crew spaceship names revealed". China Daily. Retrieved 25 February 2024.
  14. 1 2 3 Andrew Jones (2 October 2019). "This Is China's New Spacecraft to Take Astronauts to the Moon". Space.com. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
  15. ↑ Andrew Jones (23 January 2020). "China readies its new deep-space crew capsule for 1st test flight". Space.com. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
  16. ↑ Stephen Clark (4 May 2020). "China to debut new version of powerful Long March 5 rocket this week". spaceflightnow.com. SFN. Retrieved 5 May 2020.
  17. ↑ Andrew Jones (17 July 2023). "China sets out preliminary crewed lunar landing plan". spacenews.com. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
  18. ↑ Leonard David (13 October 2021). "China just put its next-generation spaceship on display". Space.com. Retrieved 19 October 2021.
  19. ↑ huaxia (29 October 2024). "China fully advances manned lunar landing program". xinhua.net. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
  20. ↑ Tomasz Nowakowski (28 June 2016). "PROTOTYPE OF CHINA'S NEXT-GENERATION RE-ENTRY CAPSULE LANDS SAFELY IN DESERT". Spaceflight Insider.
  21. ↑ Hu Zhe; Zhou Xuan (5 May 2020). ""胖五"家族迎新 送新一代载人飞船试验船升空——长征五号B运载火箭首飞三大看点 (LM5 Family in focus: next generation crewed spacecraft and other highlight of the Long March 5B maiden flight)" (in Chinese). Xinhua News. Archived from the original on 6 May 2020.
  22. ↑ "China says new spacecraft makes successful return to Earth". 8 May 2020. Archived from the original on 8 May 2020. Retrieved 9 May 2020.
  23. ↑ Li Guoli; Xiao Jianjun (5 May 2020). "我国新一代载人飞船试验船将于8日返回 (next-generation crewed spacecraft test vehicle will return on 8th [of May])" (in Chinese). Xinhua News. Archived from the original on 31 May 2020. Retrieved 7 May 2020.
  24. ↑ Stephen Clark (5 May 2020). "China's first Long March 5B rocket launches on crew capsule test flight". spaceflightnow.com. SFN. Retrieved 6 May 2020.
  25. ↑ Andrew Jones (23 March 2020). "Chinese new-generation spacecraft mission proceeding despite coronavirus, Long March 7A failure". spacenews.com. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
  26. ↑ Liu Yi; Deng Meng (5 May 2020). "我国首个柔性充气式货物返回舱试验舱将于6日返回 (China's flexible inflatable cargo re-entry capsule test capsule will re-entry on 6th [of May])" (in Chinese). Xinhua News. Archived from the original on 14 May 2020. Retrieved 7 May 2020.
  27. 1 2 Stephen Clark (6 May 2020). "Experimental Chinese cargo return capsule malfunctions during re-entry". nasaspaceflight.com. NSF.
  28. ↑ "柔性充气式货物返回舱试验舱返回出现异常 (flexible inflatable cargo re-entry vehicle encounters anomaly)" (in Chinese). Xinhua News. 6 May 2020.
  29. ↑ "Return capsule of China's experimental manned spaceship comes back successfully". Xinhua News. 8 May 2020. Archived from the original on 2 January 2022.
  30. ↑ Rui C. Barbosa (8 May 2020). "New Chinese crew capsule completes test flight, returns to Earth". nasaspaceflight.com. NSF. Retrieved 30 December 2021.
  31. ↑ Andrew Jones (8 May 2020). "New Chinese spacecraft landing marks step toward future crewed lunar missions". Space News.
  32. ↑ Andrew Jones (17 June 2025). "China conducts pad abort test for crew spacecraft, advancing moon landing plans". spacenews.com. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  33. ↑ "Re: Mengzhou Max-Q Abort Test & CZ10A Low Altitude Test -WSLC- 11 Feb 2026 03:00 UTC; Reply #68". nasaspaceflight.com. 11 February 2026. Retrieved 11 February 2026.
  34. ↑ 李, 国利; 刘, 艺 (11 February 2026). "长征十号低空演示验证与梦舟飞船最大动压逃逸飞行试验成功实施". XINHUAnet.com. Retrieved 11 February 2026.
  35. ↑ Jones, Andrew (11 February 2026). "China tests crewed spacecraft abort and rocket recovery in major lunar milestone". spacenews.com. Retrieved 11 February 2026.
  36. ↑ "Re: Mengzhou Max-Q Abort Test & CZ10A Low Altitude Test -WSLC- 11 Feb 2026 03:00 UTC; Reply #89". nasaspaceflight.com. 24 February 2026. Retrieved 24 February 2026.
  37. ↑ Jones, Andrew (30 October 2025). "China targets 2026 for first Long March 10 launch, new lunar crew spacecraft flight". spacenews.com. Retrieved 30 October 2025.
  38. ↑ C, Jack (2 April 2026). "Long March 10A Debut Moved Up For Lunar Satellite Mission, Report Says". China in Space. Retrieved 3 April 2026.
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