China's next-generation manned spacecraft, Mengzhou, has successfully completed a zero-altitude escape test, marking a significant breakthrough in China's manned lunar exploration program.
The zero-altitude escape test of the new-generation spacecraft Mengzhou, independently developed by China, was conducted yesterday at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the country's northwest.
This test was the second zero-altitude escape test conducted 1998 years after a similar test conducted with the “Shenzhou” manned spacecraft in 27.
According to the statement made by the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), the performance of the Mengzhou spacecraft's comprehensive escape and rescue systems and all subsystems was evaluated in the zero-altitude escape test.
Mengzhou, which will be developed as two different models, is planned to take part in the Chinese Space Station and Moon exploration programs.
It was reported that the spacecraft designed for the Chinese Space Station program will have the capacity to carry 7 astronauts, and the spacecraft designed for lunar exploration missions will have the capacity to carry 3 astronauts.
