HELSINKI — Mark your calendars! China’s cutting-edge Long March 10A rocket is gearing up for its first flight in 2026, a monumental step toward the nation’s historic goal of landing astronauts on the moon.

In an electrifying announcement, a model of the Long March 10A will be showcased at the upcoming Zhuhai Airshow, kicking off on November 12. According to a recent report from Science and Technology Daily, this impressive rocket is poised to revolutionize China’s space exploration efforts.

What Makes Long March 10A Stand Out?

The Long March 10A stretches an impressive 67.4 meters in length and boasts a diameter of 5.0 meters. Designed primarily for crewed missions, this single-core rocket has the muscle to launch a new generation of spacecraft to the Tiangong space station in low Earth orbit (LEO). Remarkably, it can lift a whopping 14,200 kilograms to LEO while maintaining recovery of its first stage—a feat that underscores its engineering prowess.

A Token of Ambition

This inaugural mission isn’t just a test flight; it’s a crucial stepping stone towards bigger dreams. China is ambitiously developing the three-core variant of the Long March 10, aiming to propel astronauts to the moon by 2030. This lunar variant will stand at an astonishing 92 meters tall and is expected to launch 27 tons directly into trans-lunar orbit.

The Moon Awaits: What’s the Plan?

Two separate Long March 10 launches are planned to ensure a successful trip to the moon and back. The missions feature a crew spacecraft dubbed Mengzhou and the lunar lander stack named Lanyue. Once they rendezvous in lunar orbit, a pair of astronauts will step onto the moon's surface for a thrilling six-hour exploration before returning to their fellow crew member in orbit and heading back home.

Competitive Moonshot

Meanwhile, NASA has its own aspirations with the Artemis III mission, targeting a lunar landing as early as 2026, though it is facing potential setbacks. This intensifies the global race for lunar exploration and emphasizes the significance of China's upcoming endeavors.

Challenges on the Horizon

The development of the Long March 10 also brings its share of challenges. This three-core rocket configuration is unprecedented for China, presenting potential complexities in aerodynamics, engine synchronization, and the intricacies of landing and reusability.

Long March 9: The Future of Space Infrastructure

Alongside the Long March 10A, a model of the Long March 9 rocket will also take center stage at Zhuhai. Intended for launching major space infrastructure, including lunar modules, designs have evolved towards a reusability model similar to SpaceX’s Starship. Plans suggest the Long March 9 will reach a staggering 10.6 meters in diameter, powered by 30 engines, and anticipates its first launch around 2030.

Looking Ahead

China's space ambitions are not slowing down. With a push to increase its launch rate and an expanded commercial spaceport near Wenchang, expect significant advancements in space exploration. The modified Long March 8 rocket is set for its debut later this year, reflecting the nation’s commitment to leading the charge into the cosmos.

As the world watches, China prepares for a new era of lunar exploration—are we about to witness a historic era of space travel? Stay tuned for updates as this thrilling story unfolds!