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Mengzhou

China's crewed lunar capsule, with robotic test flight scheduled for 2026.

Last refreshed: 2 April 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic

Key Question

When will China's Moon capsule fly its first test?

Timeline for Mengzhou

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Background

Mengzhou is scheduled for a robotic test flight in 2026, a key milestone in China's programme to land crew on the Moon by 2030. RAND's November 2025 assessment cited the capsule's progress as evidence that China's timeline is credible.

Developed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), Mengzhou carries 3 astronauts to lunar orbit. It uses a two-launch architecture with the Long March 10 rocket: one launch for Mengzhou and crew, a second for the Lanyue lander, with rendezvous and docking in lunar orbit before descent.

The 2026 robotic test is the first hard data point for whether China's 2030 goal is achievable. A successful uncrewed flight would significantly narrow the credibility gap with Orion, which took three uncrewed tests before carrying crew.

Common Questions
What is China's Mengzhou spacecraft?
Mengzhou is China's crewed lunar capsule, developed by CASC. It carries 3 astronauts to lunar orbit and pairs with the Lanyue lander for surface missions.Source: background
When does Mengzhou fly?
A robotic test flight is planned for 2026, followed by a crewed mission supporting a 2030 lunar landing attempt.Source: quick_facts
How many astronauts can Mengzhou carry?
Mengzhou is designed to carry 3 astronauts to lunar orbit.Source: quick_facts
How does Mengzhou compare to Orion?
Both are crewed lunar capsules. Orion has flown one uncrewed lunar test (Artemis I); Mengzhou's first uncrewed test is due in 2026. Orion carries 4 crew; Mengzhou carries 3.Source: background