The payload capacity of the device will be about 100 tons, the Global Times newspaper notes
BEIJING, March 1. /TASS/. The Chinese National Space Administration (CNSA) plans to create a super-heavy launch vehicle for a manned mission to the moon in approximately 2030. This was reported on Monday by the Global Times newspaper.
According to the publication, the payload of the device, the name of which is not specified, will be about 100 tons - four times more than the most powerful Chinese rocket "Changzheng-5". The newspaper refers to the former head of the CNSA Luan Enjie, according to which the national lunar program sets new challenges for the PRC to develop much more powerful technologies for launching spacecraft.
"We are working on issues related to the beginning of the development of a heavy launch vehicle during the 14th five-year plan (2021-2025)," the expert said.
According to the reviewers of the publication, the project can be officially launched in the next two years. The Chinese Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology did not deny, but did not confirm this information.
Beijing is actively developing its national space program, developing meteorological, telecommunications and navigation satellites, as well as technologies for exploring the moon. Chinese scientists are also implementing a project to study asteroids and Mars, which they intend to begin intensive study of the surface in the near future.
Earlier, the Chinese Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation informed that this year it plans to carry out at least 40 launches and thereby set a new national record.
