BEIJING:

The lander's ascent and descent systems underwent comprehensive verification at a site in Hebei province that was designed to simulate the moon's surface. The test surface had special coating to mimic lunar soil reflectivity, as well as being covered with rocks and craters.

"The test involved multiple operational conditions, a lengthy testing period, and high technical complexity, making it a critical milestone in the development of China's manned lunar exploration program," China Manned Space (CMS) said in a statement posted on its website on Thursday.

The lunar lander, known as Lanyue, which means "embrace the moon" in Mandarin, will be used to transport astronauts between the lunar orbit and the moon's surface, as well as serving as a living space, power source, and data cen

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