Moon Archives - SpaceNews https://spacenews.com Covering the business and politics of space Wed, 11 Dec 2024 19:44:33 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://spacenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/cropped-SN_forza_star-32x32.png Moon Archives - SpaceNews https://spacenews.com 32 32 80681979 Omani space company signs up to China’s ILRS moon base project https://spacenews.com/omani-space-company-signs-up-to-chinas-ilrs-moon-base-project/ https://spacenews.com/omani-space-company-signs-up-to-chinas-ilrs-moon-base-project/#respond Wed, 11 Dec 2024 19:44:31 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=510027

HELSINKI — An Omani space company has joined China’s effort to build its International Lunar Research Station as Beijing continues efforts to attract partners. Wu Weiren, chief designer of China’s […]

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China launches first Long March 12 from new commercial spaceport in boost for country’s lunar plans https://spacenews.com/china-launches-first-long-march-12-from-new-commercial-spaceport-in-boost-for-countrys-lunar-plans/ https://spacenews.com/china-launches-first-long-march-12-from-new-commercial-spaceport-in-boost-for-countrys-lunar-plans/#respond Sat, 30 Nov 2024 15:48:33 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=509491 Nighttime launch of the Long March 12 rocket from the Wenchang Commercial Space Launch Site, illuminating the sky with bright flames and plumes of smoke
Nighttime launch of the Long March 12 rocket from the Wenchang Commercial Space Launch Site, illuminating the sky with bright flames and plumes of smoke

HELSINKI — China launched its first Long March 12 rocket Saturday, marking an advance in its crewed moon plans and the debut of a new spaceport that will boost the […]

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ESA and JAXA sign statement on expanding deep space cooperation https://spacenews.com/esa-and-jaxa-sign-statement-on-expanding-deep-space-cooperation/ https://spacenews.com/esa-and-jaxa-sign-statement-on-expanding-deep-space-cooperation/#respond Thu, 21 Nov 2024 23:29:31 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=509254 BeciColombo at Mercury
BeciColombo at Mercury

BREMEN, Germany — The European and Japanese space agencies have issued a joint statement on furthering cooperation on planetary defense, the moon, Mars and beyond. JAXA President Hiroshi Yamakawa and […]

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China performs fairing separation test for crewed moon mission rocket https://spacenews.com/china-performs-fairing-separation-test-for-crewed-moon-mission-rocket/ https://spacenews.com/china-performs-fairing-separation-test-for-crewed-moon-mission-rocket/#respond Wed, 20 Nov 2024 17:39:20 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=509170 Image showing the payload fairing separation test for the Long March 10 rocket, featuring the separated fairing halves on the ground and the structural test article exposed in the center. The test setup includes a conical spacecraft section with a metallic upper structure, surrounded by a controlled testing environment with scaffolding and observation equipment.
Image showing the payload fairing separation test for the Long March 10 rocket, featuring the separated fairing halves on the ground and the structural test article exposed in the center. The test setup includes a conical spacecraft section with a metallic upper structure, surrounded by a controlled testing environment with scaffolding and observation equipment.

BREMEN, Germany — China has taken another step toward its crewed lunar goals by successfully testing fairing separation for its Long March 10 moon rocket series. The fairing separation test […]

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China’s new rocket for crew and moon to launch in 2026 https://spacenews.com/chinas-new-rocket-for-crew-and-moon-to-launch-in-2026/ https://spacenews.com/chinas-new-rocket-for-crew-and-moon-to-launch-in-2026/#respond Wed, 06 Nov 2024 12:33:45 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=508297

HELSINKI — China’s Long March 10A rocket is set to have its first flight in 2026, in what will be a crucial step in the country’s efforts to get astronauts […]

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China selects 2 proposals for crewed moon rover https://spacenews.com/china-selects-2-proposals-for-crewed-moon-rover/ https://spacenews.com/china-selects-2-proposals-for-crewed-moon-rover/#respond Tue, 29 Oct 2024 12:11:44 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=507781

HELSINKI — China’s human spaceflight agency has selected two teams to develop prototype rovers for the country’s planned crewed moon mission before the end of the decade. The country last […]

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India to target moon’s south pole with sample return mission https://spacenews.com/india-to-target-moons-south-pole-with-sample-return-mission/ https://spacenews.com/india-to-target-moons-south-pole-with-sample-return-mission/#respond Wed, 23 Oct 2024 14:16:20 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=507567

HELSINKI — India’s Chandrayaan-4 lunar sample return mission will target a landing between 85 and 90 degrees latitude in the southern hemisphere of the moon, and follow up with a […]

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Venus atmosphere sample return noted in China’s long-term space science roadmap https://spacenews.com/venus-atmosphere-sample-return-noted-in-chinas-long-term-space-science-roadmap/ https://spacenews.com/venus-atmosphere-sample-return-noted-in-chinas-long-term-space-science-roadmap/#respond Tue, 22 Oct 2024 11:29:11 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=507497

HELSINKI — China has unveiled a long-term roadmap to guide its space science programs up to 2050, including a mission to collect a sample of the Venusian atmosphere. The Chinese […]

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China unveils lunar spacesuit for crewed moon mission https://spacenews.com/china-unveils-lunar-spacesuit-for-crewed-moon-mission/ https://spacenews.com/china-unveils-lunar-spacesuit-for-crewed-moon-mission/#respond Sun, 29 Sep 2024 21:42:48 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=506498

HELSINKI — China’s human spaceflight agency has revealed the exterior design of the spacesuit for the country’s future crewed lunar landing missions. The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) unveiled the […]

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India approves moon sample return, Venus orbiter, space station module and reusable launcher https://spacenews.com/india-approves-moon-sample-return-venus-orbiter-space-station-module-and-reusable-launcher/ https://spacenews.com/india-approves-moon-sample-return-venus-orbiter-space-station-module-and-reusable-launcher/#respond Wed, 18 Sep 2024 14:37:30 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=506118

HELSINKI — The Indian government has given approval to a number of major space projects including the Chandrayaan-4 lunar sample return and a first space station module. The union cabinet, […]

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Interlune reveals details of quest to bring home lunar resources https://spacenews.com/interlune-reveals-details-of-quest-to-bring-home-lunar-resources/ https://spacenews.com/interlune-reveals-details-of-quest-to-bring-home-lunar-resources/#respond Tue, 10 Sep 2024 16:00:00 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=505644

SAN FRANCISCO – Without context, Interlune’s plan to extract Helium-3 from lunar regolith to fulfill terrestrial demand sounds improbable. Even Interlune co-founder and chief technology officer Gary Lai was skeptical […]

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Chang’e-6 orbiter turns up at Sun-Earth Lagrange point after moon sampling mission https://spacenews.com/change-6-orbiter-turns-up-at-sun-earth-lagrange-point-after-moon-sampling-mission/ https://spacenews.com/change-6-orbiter-turns-up-at-sun-earth-lagrange-point-after-moon-sampling-mission/#respond Tue, 10 Sep 2024 09:36:00 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=505620 The Earth and moon viewed by Chang'e 5 from Sun-Earth Lagrange point 1 in April 2021.
The Earth and moon viewed by Chang'e 5 from Sun-Earth Lagrange point 1 in April 2021.

HELSINKI — The orbiter for China’s Chang’e-6 lunar far side sample return mission is now at the second Sun-Earth Lagrange as part of extended activities. The orbiter was a key […]

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China is taking a keen interest in lava tubes as possible lunar habitats https://spacenews.com/china-is-taking-a-keen-interest-in-lava-tubes-as-possible-lunar-habitats/ https://spacenews.com/china-is-taking-a-keen-interest-in-lava-tubes-as-possible-lunar-habitats/#respond Mon, 09 Sep 2024 13:17:16 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=505588

HELSINKI — Chinese researchers are taking a serious look at detecting and utilizing lava tubes on the moon as China plans its development of an extensive lunar base. China is […]

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Senegal among new members of China’s ILRS moon base project https://spacenews.com/senegal-among-new-members-of-chinas-ilrs-moon-base-project/ https://spacenews.com/senegal-among-new-members-of-chinas-ilrs-moon-base-project/#respond Thu, 05 Sep 2024 11:30:50 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=505450

HELSINKI — Senegal’s space agency signed an agreement on cooperation on the International Lunar Research Station Thursday, swelling the ranks of the China-led project. Maram Kaire, head of the Senegalese […]

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Chinese spacecraft appear to reach lunar orbit despite launch setback https://spacenews.com/chinese-spacecraft-appear-to-reach-lunar-orbit-despite-launch-setback/ https://spacenews.com/chinese-spacecraft-appear-to-reach-lunar-orbit-despite-launch-setback/#respond Tue, 20 Aug 2024 09:10:19 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=498858 The far side of the moon and distant Earth, imaged by the 2014 Chang’e-5 T1 mission service module.
The far side of the moon and distant Earth, imaged by the 2014 Chang’e-5 T1 mission service module.

HELSINKI — Two Chinese spacecraft appear to have successfully reached their intended lunar orbits despite an initial launch issue that left them stranded in low Earth orbit. A slide attributed […]

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China could develop dual relay satellite system for Earth-moon communications to reduce geopolitical risks https://spacenews.com/china-could-develop-dual-relay-satellite-system-for-earth-moon-communications-to-reduce-geopolitical-risks/ https://spacenews.com/china-could-develop-dual-relay-satellite-system-for-earth-moon-communications-to-reduce-geopolitical-risks/#respond Thu, 15 Aug 2024 13:01:43 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=498705

HELSINKI — Chinese researchers are proposing to combine separate Earth and lunar orbit relay systems to reduce risks and uncertainty associated with relying on ground stations in other countries. China […]

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Long-term moon mission safety depends on sturdy infrastructure https://spacenews.com/long-term-moon-mission-safety-depends-on-sturdy-infrastructure/ https://spacenews.com/long-term-moon-mission-safety-depends-on-sturdy-infrastructure/#respond Wed, 07 Aug 2024 15:43:13 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=498312 Redwire’s NASA-funded Mason initiative involves developing lunar roadways. Credit: Redwire
Redwire’s NASA-funded Mason initiative involves developing lunar roadways. Credit: Redwire

GOLDEN, Colorado — A future where the moon serves as a long-term haven for human explorers is within reach but significant challenges like constructing launch and landing facilities, addressing moonquakes, […]

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Chinese scientists outline major cislunar space infrastructure project https://spacenews.com/chinese-scientists-outline-major-cislunar-space-infrastructure-project/ https://spacenews.com/chinese-scientists-outline-major-cislunar-space-infrastructure-project/#respond Tue, 30 Jul 2024 15:18:46 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=497835 The far side of the moon and distant Earth, imaged by the 2014 Chang’e-5 T1 mission service module.
The far side of the moon and distant Earth, imaged by the 2014 Chang’e-5 T1 mission service module.

PRESTON, United Kingdom — Chinese scientists are proposing cislunar space infrastructure to support lunar exploration, enhance the nation’s space industry and promote international collaboration. The proposed infrastructure includes a comprehensive […]

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China wants 50 countries involved in its ILRS moon base https://spacenews.com/china-wants-50-countries-involved-in-its-ilrs-moon-base/ https://spacenews.com/china-wants-50-countries-involved-in-its-ilrs-moon-base/#respond Tue, 23 Jul 2024 10:59:11 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=497504 3D render showing a planned moon base, energy, communications and transportation infrastructure on the sunlit lunar surface, including orbiting satellites and a distant Earth in the background.
3D render showing a planned moon base, energy, communications and transportation infrastructure on the sunlit lunar surface, including orbiting satellites and a distant Earth in the background.

China is aiming to work with 50 countries on its lunar south pole base program as efforts to attract partners continue.

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China gears up for deep space missions after collecting 1,935 grams of lunar far side samples https://spacenews.com/china-gears-up-for-deep-space-missions-after-collecting-1935-grams-of-lunar-far-side-samples/ https://spacenews.com/china-gears-up-for-deep-space-missions-after-collecting-1935-grams-of-lunar-far-side-samples/#respond Fri, 28 Jun 2024 10:45:43 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=465390 A Chinese flag stands next to a scorched, tipped over Chang'e-6 reentry capsule in the grasslands of Inner Mongolia. Helicopters are visible in the distance.
A Chinese flag stands next to a scorched, tipped over Chang'e-6 reentry capsule in the grasslands of Inner Mongolia. Helicopters are visible in the distance.

China is getting set for future deep space missions, having retrieved nearly two kilograms of lunar samples from the moon's far side.

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Chang’e-6 delivers first lunar far side samples to Earth after 53-day mission https://spacenews.com/change-6-delivers-first-lunar-far-side-samples-to-earth-after-53-day-mission/ https://spacenews.com/change-6-delivers-first-lunar-far-side-samples-to-earth-after-53-day-mission/#respond Tue, 25 Jun 2024 07:08:28 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=445968 A Chinese flag stands next to a scorched, tipped over Chang'e-6 reentry capsule in the grasslands of Inner Mongolia. Helicopters are visible in the distance.
A Chinese flag stands next to a scorched, tipped over Chang'e-6 reentry capsule in the grasslands of Inner Mongolia. Helicopters are visible in the distance.

The Chang'e-6 return capsule reentered Earth’s atmosphere early Tuesday, safely delivering unique lunar material expected to provide unique insights into the evolution of the moon. 

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Chang’e-6 heads for Earth with first-ever lunar far side samples https://spacenews.com/change-6-heads-for-earth-with-first-ever-lunar-far-side-samples/ https://spacenews.com/change-6-heads-for-earth-with-first-ever-lunar-far-side-samples/#respond Sun, 23 Jun 2024 21:13:52 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=444755

China’s Chang’e-6 spacecraft is on its way to Earth to deliver samples collected from the far side of the moon.

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China takes small step towards the moon with rocket test https://spacenews.com/china-takes-small-step-towards-the-moon-with-rocket-test/ https://spacenews.com/china-takes-small-step-towards-the-moon-with-rocket-test/#respond Mon, 17 Jun 2024 08:18:58 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=443890

China’s main space contractor has carried out a successful static fire test of a rocket first stage designed to take astronauts to the moon. 

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ESA-China moon cooperation could end with Chang’e-6 https://spacenews.com/esa-china-moon-cooperation-could-end-with-change-6/ https://spacenews.com/esa-china-moon-cooperation-could-end-with-change-6/#respond Wed, 12 Jun 2024 20:28:43 +0000 https://spacenews.com/?p=442671 A view from the Chang'e-6 lander, showing the golden body of the spacecraft in the foreground, the impression of a landing leg in the lunar regolith, a relatively smooth lunar surface, and distant peaks and rim of Apollo crater against a black backdrop.
A view from the Chang'e-6 lander, showing the golden body of the spacecraft in the foreground, the impression of a landing leg in the lunar regolith, a relatively smooth lunar surface, and distant peaks and rim of Apollo crater against a black backdrop.

European-Chinese cooperation in lunar exploration could come to an end despite successful collaboration in the ongoing Chang’e-6 mission.

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