China Advances Lunar Ambitions with Long March-10 Rocket Test Flights

Long March-10 Undergoes Critical Testing for Lunar Missions

China is making significant strides in its ambitious goal to land astronauts on the moon by 2030, with the Long March-10 (also known as the 'Next Generation crewed launch vehicle' or '921 rocket') undergoing a series of crucial test flights. These tests are integral to the development of the nation's new-generation manned launch vehicle, designed to support China's crewed lunar exploration program.

The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) and the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT), under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), are spearheading the development of the Long March-10 series.

Key Static Fire Tests Completed

Recent milestones include two successful static fire tests of the Long March-10's first stage. The first static fire test was successfully completed on August 15, 2025, at the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in Hainan Province. This test involved the simultaneous ignition of seven first-stage engines, generating a combined thrust of nearly 1,000 tonnes, marking China's largest full-system engine test to date.

A second static fire test followed on September 12, 2025, also at Wenchang. This test focused on evaluating the capabilities of the seven clustered engines for low-thrust operating conditions and secondary restart conditions, with the engines firing for 320 seconds. These tests have comprehensively verified the design validity and reliability of the rocket's first-stage propulsion system and its recovery and reuse capabilities, mitigating risks for its maiden flight.

Rocket Configurations and Capabilities

The Long March-10 series features two primary configurations:

• Long March-10: This is a three-stage rocket with two boosters, standing 92.5 meters tall with a 5-meter diameter. It is specifically designed to launch the Mengzhou crewed lunar spacecraft and the Lanyue crewed lunar lander for lunar missions. It boasts a payload capacity of 70 tonnes to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and at least 27 tonnes to a trans-lunar injection trajectory.
• Long March-10A: A two-stage reusable variant, 67 meters tall and also 5 meters in diameter, featuring a recoverable first stage. This configuration is intended for crew and cargo transport to the Tiangong space station and other LEO missions.

The program development for the Long March-10 was announced as complete in April 2024, with the maiden flight of the Long March-10 targeted for around 2027, and the Long March-10A variant for 2026.

Broader Lunar Exploration Program

These rocket tests are part of a broader, intensive schedule of development and testing for China's crewed lunar program. Other critical tests include integrated testing for the Lanyue lunar lander, thermal tests and maximum dynamic pressure escape tests for the Mengzhou manned spacecraft, and future low-altitude and technology verification flights for the Long March-10.

Construction activities for the Long March-10's launch facilities at the Wenchang Satellite Launch Center are also underway, ensuring the necessary infrastructure is in place for future missions. China's ultimate objective is to achieve a manned lunar landing before 2030, marking a significant milestone in its space exploration endeavors.