Liftoff—Escape System Flight Test: New China Space Station/Moon Crew Spacecraft

Liftoff—Escape System Flight Test: New China Space Station/Moon Crew Spacecraft

The new Mengzhou crewed spacecraft will be used for Lunar landing missions (up to 3 crew members) and low Earth orbit (LEO) China Space Station missions (up to 7 crew members). China successfully conducted an escape flight test of its new-generation crewed spacecraft Mengzhou at zero altitude on June 17, 2025, taking an important step forward in its human lunar exploration program.

The test was carried out at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the northwestern province of Gansu, China, at 12:30 Beijing time (0430 GMT). The spacecraft's escape engine ignited successfully, propelling the capsule-tower assembly upward. About 20 seconds later, the return capsule separated from the escape tower at the predetermined altitude. Two minutes later, the capsule landed safely in the designated area using an airbag cushioning system.

The flight test marked a major milestone in the development of China's crewed lunar mission. It was the country's first zero-altitude escape test for a manned spacecraft in 27 years, following a similar test for its current-generation Shenzhou spacecraft in 1998.

Video Credit: CNSA

Duration: 52 seconds
Capture Date: June 17, 2025

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