China tests next‑gen lunar capsule and rocket as it advances crewed moon plans

On Feb. 11 China conducted a low‑altitude abort test of its Mengzhou capsule and a powered ocean splashdown of a Long March 10 first stage.

China conducted a low‑altitude abort test of its next‑generation Mengzhou ("Dream Vessel") crew capsule on Feb. 11, separating the capsule from a Long March 10 rocket and recovering it by parachute. The Long March 10's first stage then performed a powered, vertical splashdown in the ocean, demonstrating a recovery mode designed for reuse. Both events were carried out from the Wenchang Space Launch Site on Hainan Island and are part of China's broader effort to develop crewed lunar capabilities. Key facts: - The test took place on Feb. 11 and launched from the Wenchang Space Launch Site on Hainan Island. - Mengzhou separated from the Long March 10 and splashed down under parachutes, reported as performing as designed. - The Long March 10's first stage guided itself to a powered, vertical ocean splashdown; the booster is designed with reusability in mind. - The flight did not reach orbit and the Long March 10 remains in development. - Mengzhou is described as a next‑generation crew capsule that could carry crews as soon as 2030. - China has also reported progress on a crewed lunar lander named Lanyue; NASA's Artemis timeline, including Artemis 2 and Artemis 3, remains uncertain in parallel reporting. Summary: The tests demonstrated abort, recovery and booster‑recovery functions for hardware intended to support crewed lunar missions. The Long March 10 and Mengzhou remain under development, and further development and testing are pending; timeline for a crewed lunar landing is undetermined at this time.