Recently, China conducted a critical test of its new lunar lander, Lanyue ("Embracing the Moon"), running the vehicle through a landing on and takeoff from a simulated lunar surface.

What is it?

Lanyue is China's first crewed lunar landing vehicle, purpose-built to ferry astronauts between lunar orbit and the moon's surface.

Standing on four legs, Lanyue is designed to transport two taikonauts along with scientific equipment, life-support systems and supplies for multi-day stays on the moon.

To test Lanyue's capabilities, the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) simulated a lunar environment by using rocks and craters and coating the surface to mimic lunar soil.

Where is it?

The test was done in Huailai County in China's Hebei Province.

Why is it amazing?

The t

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