China unveils 'Tansuo' rover to aid taikonauts' moon mission
The Chinese Manned Space Agency (CMSA) has unveiled details about its new lunar rover, "Tansuo." This rover will support Chinese taikonauts, who are expected to land on the Moon before 2030.
CMSA announced a project to develop a new rover that will assist taikonauts in their lunar landing mission slated for completion before 2030. According to PAP, the name "Tansuo" (translated as "Exploration") "reflects the spirit of discovery and allows China to explore the mysteries of the Moon." Meanwhile, the modern space suits the taikonauts will wear are called "Wangyu," meaning "gazing into the universe."
China's plans for lunar expansion
This name selection continues the tradition of referencing earlier Chinese missions. Both names were presented during the Lantern Festival, which falls on the 15th day of the new lunar year when the first full moon occurs. They were chosen from among 9,000 submissions, reports PAP.
CMSA revealed that work on the rover and space suits is "progressing smoothly" and has entered the prototype development and production phase, although no technical details were provided, reports PAP. An animation shown by CCTV suggests that taikonauts will traverse three lunar areas in three days.
Global competition on the Moon
If the mission succeeds, China will be the second country, after the USA, to have its citizens set foot on the Moon's surface. In parallel to China's efforts, NASA is working on the Artemis mission, which aims to return astronauts to the Moon before the end of the decade. The Chinese mission, if successful as planned, will secure China's position as one of the leading nations in space exploration, marking a significant advancement from their first manned space mission completed in 2003.
