By 
June 17th, 2025
China’s momentum in establishing a human Moon landing program was advanced on June 17.
An escape flight test on its new-generation crewed spacecraft Mengzhou has been carried out at zero altitude.
The test was carried out at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest.
Escape tower trial
According to China Central Television (CCTV) the spacecraft’s escape engine ignited, then propelled the capsule-tower assembly upward.
Image credit: CCTV/Inside Outer Space screengrab
About 20 seconds later, the return capsule separated from the escape tower at the predetermined altitude.
Two minutes later, the capsule landed safely in the designated area using an airbag cushioning system.
Image credit: CCTV/Inside Outer Space screengrab
Major milestone
CCTV notes that the flight test marked a major milestone in the development of China’s crewed lunar mission.
“It was the country’s first zero-altitude escape test for a manned spacecraft in 27 years, following a similar test for the Shenzhou spacecraft in 1998.”
Image credit: China National Space Administration (CNSA)/China Central Television (CCTV)/SciNews.ro/Inside Outer Space screengrab
Image credit: CCTV/Inside Outer Space screengrab
For a video view of the test, go to:
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Duw1WLLuo/
Posted in Space News
