The September edition of the Journal of Astronautics has recently been published, focusing on China’s advancements in manned lunar exploration. The detailed compilation of critical lunar technologies – spanning from site selection for landing, launch vehicles, and return of manned spacecraft, to lunar landers – showcases China’s significant strides, potentially surpassing U.S. efforts in this 21st-century lunar race.
In the Journal of Astronautics, 19 papers specifically highlight various aspects of China’s manned lunar landing efforts. Some of the core topics covered include:
Planning and Site Selection for Lunar Missions:
- Improving the overall efficiency of manned lunar missions.
- Recommendations for landing site selections based on scientific objectives.
- Integrated mission planning and design methodology.
- Evaluations of lunar transfer orbits and landing zones.
Design and Control of Manned Spacecraft:
- Aerodynamic design and optimization of next-generation manned spacecraft.
- Key technological studies on the spacecraft’s escape system.
- Research on the reusability of the next-generation manned spacecraft.
Lunar Lander Design and Descent Strategy:
- Flight strategy optimization for manned lunar landers.
- Optimal descent trajectory design with mid-course separation mode.
Lunar Rover Design, Exploration Route, and Control:
- Design and optimization of stability control strategies for manned lunar rovers.
- Integrated design and verification of lunar surface mobile systems.
Future Lunar Exploration Sequences and Lunar Research Stations:
- Thoughtful considerations on manned lunar research station development.
- Simulation design and testing of sequential manned lunar missions.
Communication in Manned Lunar Missions:
- Design and validation of integrated networks and protocols.
- Key research on lunar surface communication network structures.
From this list, it is evident that the journal provides a comprehensive overview of lunar mission technologies, from site selection to launch, orbit design, spacecraft, lunar landing, rover control, and return. The inclusion of spacecraft reusability and communication design adds depth to the journal’s contributions.
The Process of China’s Manned Lunar Mission:
China’s space agency has detailed the process for their lunar missions. The CZ-10 manned lunar rocket will be launched twice:
- First, to send the lunar lander. This unmanned launch will use the most cost-effective orbit, taking around half a month to reach the moon.
- The second launch will transport the manned spacecraft and service module segment. This manned journey will adopt the quickest route to the moon, estimated to take 2-3 days.
After the spacecraft docks with the lunar lander, astronauts will execute the moon landing. Post-mission completion on the moon’s surface, astronauts will reboard and dock with the spacecraft for transfer and return.
While much focus is on where the landing will occur, given China’s past landing sites, there is speculation and intrigue. A paper co-authored by Niu Ran and Zhang Guang suggests a strategic selection, considering resource-rich areas, especially the moon’s south pole, which is known for its vast water reserves. Having access to water on the moon, an otherwise arid celestial body, can serve as a significant refueling station.
U.S. Concerns over China’s Progress:
While NASA’s Artemis program plans to return to the moon by 2025, challenges abound. The mission involves various components, from the SLS rocket, Orion spacecraft, a lunar space station, to the lunar human lander. As of now, the lunar lander’s progress lags, with both SpaceX’s Starship and Blue Origin’s Blue Moon having their issues.
China, aiming for a lunar landing by 2030, has taken a pragmatic approach to its space goals. While there’s no intention to race against the U.S., the lack of urgency on the U.S.’s part has placed both nations on a seemingly parallel trajectory in the lunar exploration journey.
