China advances crewed space capsule testing and booster recovery technology for lunar missions

China is gearing up for additional testing of its Mengzhou crew capsule following a promising splashdown exercise conducted last month. In tandem with these developments, both commercial operators and state-run launch providers are progressing towards achieving propulsive landings for their first-stage boosters, marking a significant step in the nation’s efforts to secure its initial successful recovery of an orbital-class booster.

According to the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), the Mengzhou capsule will remain in Hainan province to undergo further maritime tests following its successful in-flight abort maneuver test on February 11. This test was a critical evaluation of the next-generation Mengzhou capsule, designed to transport Chinese astronauts to low Earth orbit and eventually to the Moon. As a successor to the existing Shenzhou spacecraft, Mengzhou is instrumental to China’s ambitious plans to land humans on the lunar surface by the decade’s end.

The uncrewed Mengzhou capsule launched from the Wenchang Space Launch Center on Hainan Island, using a prototype first-stage booster from the Chang Zheng 10A rocket, which is still under development. The complete heavy-lift version of this rocket, which will also deploy the Lanyue lunar lander in separate missions, is expected to make its inaugural flight later this year.

During the recent test, as the booster soared towards the Kármán line at supersonic speeds, it reached a critical phase known as “Max Q,” where aerodynamic forces are at their peak. This moment is essential for the capsule’s abort system, which successfully propelled the Mengzhou capsule away from potential danger, allowing it to descend gracefully under three parachutes and splash down in the South China Sea.

Recovery operations for the capsule were conducted by the Nanhaijiu 118 ship, marking a significant achievement as China aims to validate crewed space recoveries both at sea and on land. While the Mengzhou capsule secured its maritime recovery, the spacecraft is expected to typically land in Inner Mongolia, close to the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, similar to current Shenzhou missions.

Looking ahead, a demonstration flight of the Mengzhou capsule, designed to dock with the Tiangong space station, is anticipated later this year. The capsule’s design supports reusability, needing only a new heat shield between launches.

The recent test also involved a controlled re-entry of the Chang Zheng 10A prototype booster, which managed a water landing after demonstrating its transition from powered flight to splashdown. This marks a significant milestone for CASC, which has spent years perfecting reusable rocket technology. The booster was promptly retrieved from the ocean after the February 11 test and is set to undergo thorough inspections.

In the future, CASC plans to implement a unique recovery strategy that involves “catching” the booster onto an autonomous platform, named Linghangzhe or “Pathfinder.” This innovative method uses a system of cables rather than landing directly on the vessel, providing more flexibility during recovery operations. After conducting recent tests, Linghangzhe is now anticipated to serve as a primary recovery system as the program progresses.

While state-driven projects are advancing, private companies like iSpace are also making strides. iSpace is preparing to attempt propulsive landings for its Shuang Quxian-3 (Hyperbola-3) on its own droneship, the Xingji Guihang. The initial phase of its program is expected to target a maritime splashdown, with the potential to achieve China’s first orbital-class booster landing in the coming months.

The race to develop robust booster recovery systems is heating up, with other players such as Landspace working towards perfecting their reusable Zhuque-3 booster design after experiencing setbacks in earlier attempts. The coming months will be crucial as China aims to bridge the gap in booster recovery capabilities and may soon see its orbital boosters fly once again after successful landings.