In a significant declaration of its intentions, a Chinese government official revealed on Monday that China aims to achieve a crewed lunar landing by 2030.

This announcement provides the highest-level confirmation of China’s aspirations for a manned mission to the moon, DNYUZ reported.

While Chinese scientists had previously hinted at a 2030 target in a more informal manner, the deputy director of China’s Manned Space Agency, Lin Xiqiang, reaffirmed this goal during a news conference.

Quoting a poem by Mao Zedong, Lin expressed confidence in their mission, stating that they can “clasp the moon in the ninth heaven.”

Lin further disclosed that the moon landing project, which is part of the broader Lunar Exploration Project (also known as the Chang’e Project), has recently been initiated, although specific details were not provided.

The project aims to enable short-term stays on the lunar surface, conduct research activities, and collect lunar samples.

This announcement coincided with a news conference held to mark the upcoming launch of three astronauts to China’s new space station, which was completed towards the end of last year.

Written by staff