China 2020s Human Moon Landing Solidifying as Robotic Exploration Series Continues
CSA, DSEL, CASC, CMSA and CNSA advancing crewed lunar mission set to occur before 2030 utilizing redesigned 10.6-m diameter Long March 9 with 50-ton lunar transfer capability or Long March 10 (also called 5DY / 5G / 921) with 27-ton lunar transfer, which may launch by 2027; Lander with powered descent stage to carry 2 Taikonauts and 200-kg rover to lunar surface; CNSA also seeking international payloads for Chang’E-8 launching NET 2028 (letters of intent due 31 Dec) while Queqiao-2 and Tiandu-1/2 relay satellites expected to launch NET March 2024 followed by Chang’E-6 far side sample return NET May 2024, and Chang’E-7 MSP mission NET 2026