China unveils 'Tansuo' rover for pre‑2030 lunar mission
The Chinese Manned Space Agency (CMSA) has revealed details about the new lunar rover "Tansuo." It will support the mission of Chinese taikonauts, who are expected to land on the Moon before 2030.
The Chinese Manned Space Agency (CMSA) announced a project to develop a new rover that will assist taikonauts in landing on the Moon. The mission is set to be completed before 2030. According to PAP, the name "Tansuo" (transl. "Exploration") "reflects the spirit of discovery and allows China to explore the mysteries of the Moon." Meanwhile, the modern space suits that the taikonauts will wear are called "Wangyu," meaning "gazing into the universe."
China's plans for lunar expansion
This name continues the tradition of references to earlier Chinese missions. Both names, presented during the Lantern Festival, which falls on the 15th day of the new lunar year when the first full moon occurs, were selected from among 9,000 submissions, reports PAP.
CMSA revealed that work on the rover and suits is "progressing smoothly" and has entered the prototype development and production phase, although no technical details were provided, reports PAP. An animation presented by CCTV suggests that the taikonauts will traverse three lunar areas over three days.
Global competition on the Moon
If the mission succeeds, China will become the second country, after the USA, whose citizens have set foot on the surface of the Moon. In parallel with China's efforts, NASA is working on the Artemis mission, which aims to return astronauts to the Moon before the decade's end. If successful as planned, the Chinese mission will solidify China's position as one of the leaders in space exploration, marking a significant advancement from their first manned space mission completed in 2003.
