China unveils spacesuit as it prepares for 2030 moon landing mission

China has unveiled its first lunar spacesuit, marking a significant milestone toward its planned crewed moon landing by 2030.

The lightweight suit, developed by the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) over four years, is designed to protect astronauts during extravehicular activities in the harsh lunar environment, where temperatures fluctuate drastically and there is no atmosphere, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

State broadcaster CCTV reports that the suit will enable astronauts to walk, climb, drive, and conduct scientific research on the moon. It features specialized fabric to guard against heat and lunar dust, along with protective gloves for dexterity and knee joints to facilitate movement in low gravity. Additionally, it includes a panoramic anti-glare visor and a console for communication and video.

Zhang Wanxin, director of the spacesuit engineering office, emphasized that the design conveys a message of fortitude, integrating elements of Chinese culture. The suit's upper body is predominantly white, adorned with red straps symbolizing rocket trails during launch, reflecting a balance of strength and grace in Chinese philosophy.

The CMSA has initiated a public campaign to name the suit, drawing on themes from both traditional Chinese culture and modern technology. China plans to launch its moon mission using two Long March 10 rockets to transport three astronauts and a lunar lander, with the Mengzhou spacecraft docking with the Lanyue lander on the moon's surface. Two astronauts will conduct a brief exploration before returning to lunar orbit to join their colleague.

Meanwhile, the United States is also preparing to return astronauts to the moon, aiming for a landing near the lunar South Pole by late 2026, although delays may push this to early 2027 due to project timelines.