China executed a landing and liftoff test with the Lanyue lunar module in Huailai, Hebei. This test integrated propulsive descent, touchdown shutdown and ascent. The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) evaluated performance with anchor towers to simulate low gravity and a crater field for terrain.
Testing of the Lanyue Lunar Module
The team validated GNC, attitude control and the coordination between guidance, navigation and propulsion. The behavior of the main engines and thrusters during descent was also observed. Immediate shutdown was activated upon contact with the simulated surface to avoid jolts and bounces that could damage the aircraft.
In addition, the Lanyue module is intended as a brief habitat, power source and data node. By carrying a ladder for access and an attached rover for surface activities, it achieves maximum integration and structural lightweighting. The agency’s priority is manned capability with safe landing and return margins.
The mission will use two main launches: the first, to insert the Lanyue module into lunar orbit and the other, to send the manned Mengzhou spacecraft. After lunar landing in orbit, two astronauts will pass to Lanyue for descent and return. Finally, the propulsion module performs the major deceleration and separates a few kilometers away for the final lunar landing.
The program also accumulated internal technical milestones. The integrated electrical system of the Grand March 10 was verified. Mengzhou completed a high altitude drop and a zero altitude escape test. The Lanyue propulsion module did not participate in this test and will undergo dedicated campaigns.
On the other hand, this integrated test decreases risk in the manned lunar mission planned around 2030. The validation of GNC and shutdown on touchdown is important for dust, slope and obstacle tolerance. It also facilitates certification of automatic sequences with abort capability if the profile deviates.
NASA plans to Artemis II as a manned lunar flyby and keeps Artemis III in mid-2027 conditioned by the Starship-based human landing system. China aligns its schedule with two launches and docking in lunar orbit to achieve a short surface stay.
Going forward, Lanyue will continue with flight software integration testing, thermal validation and campaigns with the propulsion module. If a verification can be done on the ground, it will go first on the ground. Then will come production of the flight model when performance criteria are met.
Source and photo: SCMP
