China has successfully conducted a zero-altitude escape test for its manned spacecraft Mengzhou (Dream Vessel) at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Northwest China’s Gansu Province on June 17, 2025. The test marked a significant breakthrough in the development of China’s manned lunar exploration program.
According to the China Manned Space Engineering Office, this is the first time in 27 years that China has conducted such a test since 1998. The Mengzhou spacecraft successfully completed its escape and rescue systems, verifying the accuracy and compatibility of designs for emergency situations.
The Mengzhou spacecraft features a modular design and can carry up to seven astronauts, meeting internationally advanced standards. The success of this test lays an important technical foundation for future crewed lunar missions. Development of other spacecraft involved in crewed lunar missions is also progressing steadily, with related tests scheduled to proceed as planned.
Source: https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202506/1336349.shtml