As the space race to send humans to the Moon continues unabated, China has taken another significant step in this race. While the US is experiencing various problems with its launch and rocket systems, China’s Moon project continues to progress unabated.

China Takes the Lead in the Space Competition

Not long after former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine warned, “If this continues, we will lose the race to China,” China successfully completed the second static firing test of the Long March-10 rocket, developed for next-generation manned missions.

In this critical test, conducted on September 12 at the Wenchang Space Center in China, the rocket’s first stage engines were ignited simultaneously and operated for 320 seconds. This test was designed to measure the engine performance and restart procedures, particularly under low-thrust conditions.

Chinese officials announced that the test was a “complete success.” Both firing tests conducted this year confirmed the rocket’s design reliability and recovery procedures. Given the problems the US has experienced with its own rocket systems, China’s successful completion of this second test is considered a significant sign that it has gained ground in the Moon race.

China’s manned lunar mission relies on two separate Long March-10 launches: One rocket will carry the Lanyue lander, the other the three-person Mengzhou crew capsule. Under this plan, two astronauts will land on the lunar surface, while one astronaut will remain in orbit.

In August, the Lanyue lander successfully completed comprehensive takeoff and landing tests. In June, the Mengzhou capsule successfully completed its first escape test. What are your thoughts on this? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.