China’s ambitious mission to explore resource technologies at the moon’s south pole is gaining momentum, with the intriguing possibility of featuring a humanoid element.
Wang Qiong, the chief designer of the Chang’e 8 lunar mission, recently shared project updates during an event in Beijing, as highlighted in a Chinese social media post. Scheduled for a 2028 launch, the mission aims to land near the lunar south pole, where it will test in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) technologies. These tests may include 3D printing lunar regolith into bricks, as well as conducting terrestrial ecosystem experiments to study potential habitability.
Slides accompanying the update revealed details of the Chang’e 8 spacecraft. The four-legged lander, based on the design of China’s previous successful Chang’e missions, will host a suite of scientific instruments such as cameras, telescopes, and a seismometer. Additionally, it will be equipped with a crane to deploy payloads and smaller spacecraft on the lunar surface, enhancing its operational capabilities.
The lander will also carry a six-wheeled rover, reminiscent of the Yutu rovers from earlier Chang’e missions. This advanced rover will be equipped with a suite of scientific tools, including a panoramic camera for wide-angle imaging, a lunar-penetrating radar to study subsurface structures, an infrared spectrometer for material composition analysis, and a payload designed for sample analysis and storage.
One of the Chang’e 8 lunar robot. Via https://t.co/QsSb5mOm5c? pic.twitter.com/tWwFKnDgyl
— Ace of Razgriz (@raz_liu) November 11, 2024
Wang’s presentation also highlighted another spacecraft, featuring four wheels and a humanoid-shaped upper structure. The purpose of this uniquely designed vehicle remains unclear, as does the significance of its intriguing appearance. Its inclusion adds an element of mystery to the mission’s objectives, sparking curiosity about its potential role in the lunar exploration effort.
The Chang’e 8 mission, along with the Chang’e 7 mission scheduled for 2026, serves as a precursor to China’s ambitious International Lunar Research Station. Planned for construction in the 2030s, this large-scale project aims to establish a permanent scientific presence on the moon, with collaboration from Russia and other international partners. These precursor missions are critical for testing technologies and gathering data to support the station’s development.
