China’s space program achieved a significant milestone on Feb. 11, 2026, successfully conducting key flight tests of its next-generation lunar spacecraft and reusable rocket as part of its broader crewed lunar exploration effort. The Long March-10 carrier rocket — designed to carry astronauts toward the Moon — performed a low-altitude demonstration and verification flight from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in Hainan province.
Mounted atop the rocket was the new Mengzhou crewed spacecraft, intended to ferry astronauts to lunar orbit and back. During the test, the spacecraft underwent a maximum dynamic pressure abort test, where it safely separated and deployed parachutes before splashing down in a predetermined sea recovery area. The Long March-10’s first stage also returned to the ocean in a controlled splashdown, marking progress in China’s reusable rocket capabilities.
Officials from the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) said the combined rocket and spacecraft tests demonstrated critical systems needed for planned lunar missions, including safe escape procedures and recovery operations. These breakthroughs are seen as foundational steps toward China’s goal of landing astronauts on the Moon before 2030 and reflect growing advances in reusable launch vehicle technology within the country’s expanding space exploration program — news as reported.
