China has announced its plans to develop and launch a next-generation crewed spacecraft by 2027, capable of transporting astronauts to the moon and beyond. Yang Liwei, deputy chief designer of China's human spaceflight program, revealed the country's ambitious goals during a talk at a university, as reported by the state-run Guangzhou Daily.

<h2>The next gen spacecraft</h2>

According to Yang, the new spacecraft will be utilised for crewed lunar missions, the construction of China's space station, and deep-space exploration.&nbsp;

"In the future, a new generation of spacecraft will be used on crewed lunar missions, to build our space station and for deep-space exploration," he said.

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The initial flights of the spacecraft are projected to occur between 2027 and 2028. In 2020, China conducted a test launch using a boilerplate version of the spacecraft to loft space station modules. The return capsule from this test has been put on public display.

<h2>Taikonauts on the moon</h2>

China's plan to put 'Taikonauts' or Chinese astronauts on the moon by 2030 is a driving force behind the development of this new spacecraft.

As per Space.com, the spacecraft will feature partial reusability, and a new rocket, known as the Long March 10, which is currently being developed to facilitate its launch.

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The deep-space variant of the spacecraft will have the capacity to carry three astronauts into lunar transfer orbit, while a low Earth orbit version will be capable of transporting four to seven astronauts to China's recently completed Tiangong space station.

Currently, China employs the Shenzhou spacecraft to send up to three astronauts to low Earth orbit. Yang Liwei himself became China's first astronaut in orbit during the Shenzhou 5 mission in 2003.

At present, the crew of Shenzhou 16 is stationed aboard the Tiangong space station. The three astronauts arrived at the station on May 30 and were expected to stay for approximately six months.

China's advancements in space exploration and its plans for crewed lunar missions demonstrate the country's commitment to expanding its presence in space. The development of a next-generation spacecraft can be&nbsp;a significant milestone in China's ambitious space program, and help position the nation as a key player in future lunar and deep-space exploration endeavours.

(With inputs from agencies)

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China has announced its plans to develop and launch a next-generation crewed spacecraft by 2027, capable of transporting astronauts to the moon and beyond. Yang Liwei, deputy chief designer of China's human spaceflight program, revealed the country's ambitious goals during a talk at a university, as reported by the state-run Guangzhou Daily.

China has announced its plans to develop and launch a next-generation crewed spacecraft by 2027, capable of transporting astronauts to the moon and beyond. Yang Liwei, deputy chief designer of China's human spaceflight program, revealed the country's ambitious goals during a talk at a university, as reported by the state-run Guangzhou Daily. The next gen spacecraft According to Yang, the new spacecraft will be utilised for crewed lunar missions, the construction of China's space station, and deep-space exploration. "In the future, a new generation of spacecraft will be used on crewed lunar missions, to build our space station and for deep-space exploration," he said. Also read | Mysterious stellar object emitting a five-minute pulse every 22 minutes leaves scientists puzzled The initial flights of the spacecraft are projected to occur between 2027 and 2028. In 2020, China conducted a test launch using a boilerplate version of the spacecraft to loft space station modules. The return capsule from this test has been put on public display. Taikonauts on the moon China's plan to put 'Taikonauts' or Chinese astronauts on the moon by 2030 is a driving force behind the development of this new spacecraft. As per Space.com, the spacecraft will feature partial reusability, and a new rocket, known as the Long March 10, which is currently being developed to facilitate its launch. Also read | NASA's Hubble telescope spots stunning 'cloud of space rocks' made from asteroid-smashing DART mission The deep-space variant of the spacecraft will have the capacity to carry three astronauts into lunar transfer orbit, while a low Earth orbit version will be capable of transporting four to seven astronauts to China's recently completed Tiangong space station. Currently, China employs the Shenzhou spacecraft to send up to three astronauts to low Earth orbit. Yang Liwei himself became China's first astronaut in orbit during the Shenzhou 5 mission in 2003. At present, the crew of Shenzhou 16 is stationed aboard the Tiangong space station. The three astronauts arrived at the station on May 30 and were expected to stay for approximately six months. China's advancements in space exploration and its plans for crewed lunar missions demonstrate the country's commitment to expanding its presence in space. The development of a next-generation spacecraft can be a significant milestone in China's ambitious space program, and help position the nation as a key player in future lunar and deep-space exploration endeavours. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China ambitious space programme will send taikonauts to Moon with new gen spacecraft

After a NASA top official warned that China may stake a claim on the moon's resources, the spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington retorted saying,&nbsp;"Outer space is not a wrestling ground." China is "actively" working towards a "shared future for mankind in the space", said Liu Pengyu, the spokesperson.

In an interview with&nbsp;Politico, former astronaut and current NASA administrator Bill Nelson said tthe US needs to "watch out" that its rival does not gain a foothold on the lunar surface. As per a Guardian report, the NASA official said the race between the two nations is intensifying and the next two years may decide which of them gains the advantage.

Watch |&nbsp;China's 'heavenly palace' space station; US space command says 'Our space assets at risk'

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In response, Liu said:&nbsp;"China always advocates the peaceful use of outer space, opposes the weaponisation of and arms race in outer space, and works actively toward building a community with a shared future for mankind in the space domain."

Nelson, the top&nbsp;NASA official, had warned that China, which is currently engaged in a "space race" with the United States, may stake a claim on Moon's resource-rich areas if it gets there first.

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"It is a fact: we’re in a space race." Nelson said that the US "better watch out that they (China) don’t get to a place on the moon under the guise of scientific research."

As proof of China's assertiveness over its territorial claims, the official cited the "earthly" example of Beijing's aggression over islands in the South China Sea where the nation has established military bases.

He said "it is not beyond the realm of possibility that they say, ‘Keep out, we’re here, this is our territory,'" for the Moon’s resource-rich areas.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-technology/we-better-watch-out-nasa-chief-says-us-china-locked-in-space-race-as-mission-moon-heats-up-548854">‘We better watch out’: NASA chief says US, China locked in ‘space race’ as mission Moon heats up</a>

Recent years have seen China's space programme develop leaps and bounds. Last year, the nation successfully put up an Earth-orbiting space station and also mounted several lunar orbiting and sample-collecting missions.

As per reports, the third phase of China's Lunar mission is scheduled for 2025, and it seeks to establish a lunar research station on Moon's south pole.

Previously, US military officials too sounded the alarm over Chinese "militarisation" of space. While on a visit to Australia, Space Force Lt Gen Nina Armagno warned "It’s entirely possible they could catch up and surpass us," adding that the "progress they’ve made has been stunning – stunningly fast."&nbsp;

However, China denies the allegations and has repeatedly rejected the US interpretation of its space missions.

(With inputs from agencies)

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After a NASA top official warned that China may stake a claim on the moon's resources, the spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington retorted saying, "Outer space is not a wrestling ground.

After a NASA top official warned that China may stake a claim on the moon's resources, the spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington retorted saying, "Outer space is not a wrestling ground." China is "actively" working towards a "shared future for mankind in the space", said Liu Pengyu, the spokesperson. In an interview with Politico, former astronaut and current NASA administrator Bill Nelson said tthe US needs to "watch out" that its rival does not gain a foothold on the lunar surface. As per a Guardian report, the NASA official said the race between the two nations is intensifying and the next two years may decide which of them gains the advantage. Watch | China's 'heavenly palace' space station; US space command says 'Our space assets at risk' In response, Liu said: "China always advocates the peaceful use of outer space, opposes the weaponisation of and arms race in outer space, and works actively toward building a community with a shared future for mankind in the space domain." Nelson, the top NASA official, had warned that China, which is currently engaged in a "space race" with the United States, may stake a claim on Moon's resource-rich areas if it gets there first. Also read | India, United States natural partners in space exploration, says US official "It is a fact: we’re in a space race." Nelson said that the US "better watch out that they (China) don’t get to a place on the moon under the guise of scientific research." As proof of China's assertiveness over its territorial claims, the official cited the "earthly" example of Beijing's aggression over islands in the South China Sea where the nation has established military bases. He said "it is not beyond the realm of possibility that they say, ‘Keep out, we’re here, this is our territory,'" for the Moon’s resource-rich areas. Also read | ‘We better watch out’: NASA chief says US, China locked in ‘space race’ as mission Moon heats up Recent years have seen China's space programme develop leaps and bounds. Last year, the nation successfully put up an Earth-orbiting space station and also mounted several lunar orbiting and sample-collecting missions. As per reports, the third phase of China's Lunar mission is scheduled for 2025, and it seeks to establish a lunar research station on Moon's south pole. Previously, US military officials too sounded the alarm over Chinese "militarisation" of space. While on a visit to Australia, Space Force Lt Gen Nina Armagno warned "It’s entirely possible they could catch up and surpass us," adding that the "progress they’ve made has been stunning – stunningly fast." However, China denies the allegations and has repeatedly rejected the US interpretation of its space missions. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Outer space not a wrestling ground', retorts China after NASA official says it might claim Moon's resources

According to reports, China intends to return Mars samples to Earth in 2031, two years ahead of NASA and European Space Agency's joint project.

China's Tianwen-1 had started sending pictures of Mars in February last year. The rover had begun exploring the red planet in May 2021.

Sun Zezhou who is the chief designer of Tianwen-1, reportedly presented China's ambitious plan during a presentation.

The plan included lifting off to Mars in 2028&nbsp;and after extensive research which includes sampling and drilling, the spacecraft is expected to depart Mars in 2030 and return to Earth in July 2031.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ufo-expert-claims-to-have-spotted-weird-elephant-like-creature-on-mars-489595">Also Read:&nbsp;UFO expert claims to have spotted ‘weird elephant-like creature’ on Mars</a>

China has poured billions of dollars into its space programme. The country is also planning to build a base on the Moon.

Tianwen-1 orbiter is also reportedly set to conduct sample return preparation, Sun revealed. China had earlier conducted lunar sample return in 2020.

Watch:&nbsp;Human trash found on Mars

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Last month three Chinese astronauts arrived at the country's space station as the Communist nation continues its complex space operation. The astronauts had blasted off from the Long March-2F rocket from the Gobi desert.&nbsp;

NASA and the European Space Agency(ESA) had decided to delay their&nbsp;launches to 2028 and said the Mars samples will be possible in 2033 under a revised schedule.

ESA and NASA are also in talks to put the first European on the Moon. The US had banned China from the International Space Station(ISS) in 2011 due to national security concerns.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

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According to reports, China intends to return Mars samples to Earth in 2031, two years ahead of NASA and European Space Agency's joint project. China's Tianwen-1 had started sending pictures of Mars in February last year.

According to reports, China intends to return Mars samples to Earth in 2031, two years ahead of NASA and European Space Agency's joint project. China's Tianwen-1 had started sending pictures of Mars in February last year. The rover had begun exploring the red planet in May 2021. Sun Zezhou who is the chief designer of Tianwen-1, reportedly presented China's ambitious plan during a presentation. The plan included lifting off to Mars in 2028 and after extensive research which includes sampling and drilling, the spacecraft is expected to depart Mars in 2030 and return to Earth in July 2031. Also Read: UFO expert claims to have spotted ‘weird elephant-like creature’ on Mars China has poured billions of dollars into its space programme. The country is also planning to build a base on the Moon. Tianwen-1 orbiter is also reportedly set to conduct sample return preparation, Sun revealed. China had earlier conducted lunar sample return in 2020. Watch: Human trash found on Mars Last month three Chinese astronauts arrived at the country's space station as the Communist nation continues its complex space operation. The astronauts had blasted off from the Long March-2F rocket from the Gobi desert. NASA and the European Space Agency(ESA) had decided to delay their launches to 2028 and said the Mars samples will be possible in 2033 under a revised schedule. ESA and NASA are also in talks to put the first European on the Moon. The US had banned China from the International Space Station(ISS) in 2011 due to national security concerns. (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China planning to bring Mars sample to Earth before NASA, ESA joint mission

What is China's 'space dream' and where it is headed?

Chinese rover Yutu-2 has discovered mysterious glass spheres on the far side of the moon. The paper detailing the discovery has been published in Science Bulletin.

"Collectively, the peculiar morphology, geometry, and local context of the glass globules are consistent with being anorthositic impact glasses," the researchers write in their paper.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astronomers-resolve-mystery-of-cube-spotted-on-moons-dark-side-443232">Also read |&nbsp;Astronomers resolve mystery of 'cube' spotted on Moon's dark side</a>

"As the first discovery of macroscopic and translucent glass globules on the Moon, this study predicts that such globules should be abundant across the lunar highland, providing promising sampling targets to reveal the early impact history of the Moon," they write.

It comes after sighted a cube-like object on the horizon about 80 metres (87 yards) from its location that fanned speculation over what it could be and inspired a host of memes by Chinese internet users.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/milestones-chinas-space-dreams-from-ground-zero-upwards-392152">Also see |&nbsp;'Milestones': China's space dreams from ground zero upwards</a>

The solar-powered Yutu, or "Jade Rabbit" in Chinese, will cover the distance of 80 metres in two to three lunar days, according to Our Space, or two to three Earth months.

The robotic rover has been operating in the Von Karman Crater in the South Pole-Aitken Basin since its deployment in January 2019.

The mission was a historic first, with no other nation having landed on the far side of the moon until then.

With the moon tidally locked to Earth - rotating at the same speed as it orbits our planet - most of its "dark side" is never visible to those on Earth. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Chinese rover Yutu-2 has discovered mysterious glass spheres on the far side of the moon. The paper detailing the discovery has been published in Science Bulletin.

Chinese rover Yutu-2 has discovered mysterious glass spheres on the far side of the moon. The paper detailing the discovery has been published in Science Bulletin. "Collectively, the peculiar morphology, geometry, and local context of the glass globules are consistent with being anorthositic impact glasses," the researchers write in their paper. Also read | Astronomers resolve mystery of 'cube' spotted on Moon's dark side "As the first discovery of macroscopic and translucent glass globules on the Moon, this study predicts that such globules should be abundant across the lunar highland, providing promising sampling targets to reveal the early impact history of the Moon," they write. It comes after sighted a cube-like object on the horizon about 80 metres (87 yards) from its location that fanned speculation over what it could be and inspired a host of memes by Chinese internet users. Also see | 'Milestones': China's space dreams from ground zero upwards The solar-powered Yutu, or "Jade Rabbit" in Chinese, will cover the distance of 80 metres in two to three lunar days, according to Our Space, or two to three Earth months. The robotic rover has been operating in the Von Karman Crater in the South Pole-Aitken Basin since its deployment in January 2019. The mission was a historic first, with no other nation having landed on the far side of the moon until then. With the moon tidally locked to Earth - rotating at the same speed as it orbits our planet - most of its "dark side" is never visible to those on Earth. (With inputs from agencies)

After sighting of 'cube,' lunar rover discovers mysterious glass spheres on Moon

&nbsp;A Chinese spacecraft resembling the&nbsp;US&nbsp;Air Force's X-37B&nbsp;has&nbsp;returned to Earth&nbsp;in what&nbsp;China&nbsp;said was a big step towards developing reusable space transportation technology.

China&nbsp;Aerospace Science and Technology Corp (CASC), the country's main space contractor, said the&nbsp;&nbsp;spacecraft lifted off from a launch centre in northwest&nbsp;China&nbsp;on Friday and completed its flight according to "set procedures."

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The spacecraft that can fly to suborbital space ought to be able to travel to as high as 100 km (62 miles) above the Earth's surface.

The CASC did not say how high the spacecraft flew, or elaborate on its flight path. Visuals of the spacecraft or its flight were not provided.

Also see|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/milestones-chinas-space-dreams-from-ground-zero-upwards-392152" hreflang="en">'Milestones': China's space dreams from ground zero upwards</a>

"The development of reusable space transportation technology is an important symbol of&nbsp;China's transition from a 'big' space-faring nation to a 'powerful' space-faring one," CASC said.

Reusable spacecraft would lead to higher frequency of missions and lower mission costs due to its reusability.

In September last year,&nbsp;China&nbsp;sent an experimental spacecraft into orbital space on a rocket. The spacecraft returned to Earth after two days in orbit on its low-key mission.

Commentators on Chinese social media have speculated that Beijing has been developing a spacecraft like the US&nbsp;Air Force's X-37B, an autonomous spaceplane that can remain in orbit for long periods of time before flying back to Earth on its own.

It is not known if both the orbital and suborbital spacecraft launched by&nbsp;China&nbsp;had fixed wings like the US&nbsp;Space Shuttle.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Chinese spacecraft resembling the US Air Force's X-37B has returned to Earth in what China said was a big step towards developing reusable space transportation technology.

A Chinese spacecraft resembling the US Air Force's X-37B has returned to Earth in what China said was a big step towards developing reusable space transportation technology. China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp (CASC), the country's main space contractor, said the spacecraft lifted off from a launch centre in northwest China on Friday and completed its flight according to "set procedures." The spacecraft that can fly to suborbital space ought to be able to travel to as high as 100 km (62 miles) above the Earth's surface. The CASC did not say how high the spacecraft flew, or elaborate on its flight path. Visuals of the spacecraft or its flight were not provided. Also see| 'Milestones': China's space dreams from ground zero upwards "The development of reusable space transportation technology is an important symbol of China's transition from a 'big' space-faring nation to a 'powerful' space-faring one," CASC said. Reusable spacecraft would lead to higher frequency of missions and lower mission costs due to its reusability. In September last year, China sent an experimental spacecraft into orbital space on a rocket. The spacecraft returned to Earth after two days in orbit on its low-key mission. Commentators on Chinese social media have speculated that Beijing has been developing a spacecraft like the US Air Force's X-37B, an autonomous spaceplane that can remain in orbit for long periods of time before flying back to Earth on its own. It is not known if both the orbital and suborbital spacecraft launched by China had fixed wings like the US Space Shuttle. (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese spacecraft resembling US Air Force's X-37B returns to Earth after inaugural flight

China's "Zhurong" rover, part of its ambitious space programme to send a probe to Mars, is set to attempt the challenging landing on the Red Planet in the next five days, Beijing's space agency said Friday.

The tricky touchdown, if successful, would come a few months behind America's latest probe to Mars, as Beijing presses ahead with its increasingly bold space ambitions.

"Based on current flight conditions, the&nbsp;Tianwen-1&nbsp;probe intends to choose an opportunity to land ... in the period from early morning Saturday to Wednesday Beijing time," the China National Space Administration said in an online statement.

The launch of the&nbsp;Tianwen-1&nbsp;Mars probe last July marked a major milestone in China's space programme, which Beijing views as a sign of its rising global stature and technological might.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/watch-high-resolution-images-from-chinas-mars-probe-shared-367889">Watch | High-resolution images from China's Mars probe shared</a>

The spacecraft, which entered Mars' orbit in February, has now reached a "crucial touchdown stage", the state-run tabloid Global Times said Friday. It will land in a vast northern lava plain known as the Utopia Planitia.

Speculation about a Saturday landing has been rife on social media after a top spaceflight expert estimated the rover, named after a mythological Chinese fire god, would reach the surface in the morning Beijing time.

The complicated landing process has been called the "seven minutes of terror" because it happens faster than radio signals can reach Earth from Mars, meaning communications are limited.

The several US, Russian and European attempts to land rovers on Mars have failed in the past, most recently in 2016 with the crash-landing of the Schiaparelli joint Russian-European spacecraft.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/europes-mars-probe-crashes-seconds-before-landing-esa-7759">Europe's Mars probe crashes seconds before landing: ESA</a>

The latest successful arrival came in February when US space agency NASA landed its rover Perseverance, which has since been exploring the planet.&nbsp;

The US rover launched a small robotic helicopter on Mars which was the first-ever powered flight on another planet.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/perseverance-rover-captures-sound-of-ingenuity-flying-on-mars-383610">Perseverance rover captures sound of Ingenuity flying on Mars</a>

Six-wheeled, solar-powered and roughly 240 kilograms, the Chinese rover will collect and analyse rock samples from Mars' surface.&nbsp;

It is expected to spend around three months there.&nbsp;

If successful, China will be the world's first country to carry out an orbiting, landing and roving operation during its first mission to Mars.

It will become just the third nation to safely touch down on the Red Planet after Russia and the United States.

The country has come a long way in its race to catch up with the United States and Russia, whose astronauts and cosmonauts have decades of experience in space exploration.

China successfully launched the first module of its new space station last month with hopes of having it crewed by 2022 and eventually sending humans to the&nbsp;Moon.

Last week a segment of the Chinese Long March 5B rocket disintegrated over the Indian Ocean in an uncontrolled landing back to Earth.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chinese-rocket-segment-disintegrates-over-indian-ocean-383776">Chinese rocket segment disintegrates over Indian Ocean</a>

That drew criticism from the United States and other nations for a breach of etiquette governing the return of space debris to earth, with officials saying the remnants had the potential to endanger life and property.

China's "Zhurong" rover, part of its ambitious space programme to send a probe to Mars, is set to attempt the challenging landing on the Red Planet in the next five days, Beijing's space agency said Friday.

China's "Zhurong" rover, part of its ambitious space programme to send a probe to Mars, is set to attempt the challenging landing on the Red Planet in the next five days, Beijing's space agency said Friday. The tricky touchdown, if successful, would come a few months behind America's latest probe to Mars, as Beijing presses ahead with its increasingly bold space ambitions. "Based on current flight conditions, the Tianwen-1 probe intends to choose an opportunity to land ... in the period from early morning Saturday to Wednesday Beijing time," the China National Space Administration said in an online statement. The launch of the Tianwen-1 Mars probe last July marked a major milestone in China's space programme, which Beijing views as a sign of its rising global stature and technological might. Also read | Watch | High-resolution images from China's Mars probe shared The spacecraft, which entered Mars' orbit in February, has now reached a "crucial touchdown stage", the state-run tabloid Global Times said Friday. It will land in a vast northern lava plain known as the Utopia Planitia. Speculation about a Saturday landing has been rife on social media after a top spaceflight expert estimated the rover, named after a mythological Chinese fire god, would reach the surface in the morning Beijing time. The complicated landing process has been called the "seven minutes of terror" because it happens faster than radio signals can reach Earth from Mars, meaning communications are limited. The several US, Russian and European attempts to land rovers on Mars have failed in the past, most recently in 2016 with the crash-landing of the Schiaparelli joint Russian-European spacecraft. Also read | Europe's Mars probe crashes seconds before landing: ESA The latest successful arrival came in February when US space agency NASA landed its rover Perseverance, which has since been exploring the planet. The US rover launched a small robotic helicopter on Mars which was the first-ever powered flight on another planet. Also read | Perseverance rover captures sound of Ingenuity flying on Mars Six-wheeled, solar-powered and roughly 240 kilograms, the Chinese rover will collect and analyse rock samples from Mars' surface. It is expected to spend around three months there. If successful, China will be the world's first country to carry out an orbiting, landing and roving operation during its first mission to Mars. It will become just the third nation to safely touch down on the Red Planet after Russia and the United States. The country has come a long way in its race to catch up with the United States and Russia, whose astronauts and cosmonauts have decades of experience in space exploration. China successfully launched the first module of its new space station last month with hopes of having it crewed by 2022 and eventually sending humans to the Moon. Last week a segment of the Chinese Long March 5B rocket disintegrated over the Indian Ocean in an uncontrolled landing back to Earth. Also read | Chinese rocket segment disintegrates over Indian Ocean That drew criticism from the United States and other nations for a breach of etiquette governing the return of space debris to earth, with officials saying the remnants had the potential to endanger life and property.

China rover to attempt Mars landing over coming days