China’s path toward a crewed lunar landing has taken another decisive step forward. On August 15, engineers successfully conducted a powerful ground test of the Long March 10 rocket’s first-stage propulsion system, marking a key milestone in the nation’s next-generation space program.
The test, carried out at the Wenchang Satellite Launch Center in Hainan Province, featured a shortened mockup of the Long March 10’s first stage fitted with seven YF-100K engines. Roaring to life for about 35 seconds, the engines, running on liquid oxygen and kerosene, generated nearly 1,000 tons of thrust, setting a new record for China’s space program.
According to Xu Hongping, an engineer with the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp. (CASC), the rocket’s architecture relies on what he called a “universal core stage,” a modular design made up of three identical boosters bundled together. This flexibility is intended to strengthen China’s heavy-lift launch capabilities, enabling the transport of crew and equipment for lunar exploration.
Peng Yue, another CASC engineer, emphasized the importance of the static fire. “Conducting a power system test is one of the most critical steps in rocket development,” he told CCTV. “It ensures system compatibility and mitigates risks before the rocket’s maiden flight.”
This propulsion test is part of a wider set of technical milestones completed in 2024 and 2025 as China lays out the full architecture for a human lunar mission:
- Crewed spacecraft readiness: On June 17, China tested the Mengzhou spacecraft’s escape system. The zero-altitude abort test, the first in 27 years for a Chinese manned spacecraft, demonstrated that the crew capsule could safely detach and land in the event of a launch emergency.
- Lunar lander validation: On August 6, engineers ran a simulated takeoff and landing of the two-person lunar lander, Lanyue, in Hebei Province. Designed to act as a “lunar life center, energy center, and data center,” Lanyue will provide astronauts with a safe environment and operational support once on the surface.
- Spacesuit unveiling: In September 2024, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) revealed its new lunar spacesuit, built to withstand harsh conditions including extreme temperatures and pervasive lunar dust. The design features enhanced mobility, an integrated control panel, and a wide-vision helmet for surface operations.
Taken together, these advancements reflect a methodical, systems-level approach to lunar exploration. Rather than focusing on a single breakthrough, China’s space program is steadily validating each piece of the mission chain, from rocket and spacecraft to lander and astronaut gear.
With the Long March 10 test now complete, China has demonstrated that its lunar ambitions are no longer confined to planning stages but are advancing through tangible engineering progress. The country’s ultimate goal: landing astronauts on the moon and establishing a long-term human presence there.