China reveals how it plans to land the first 'taikonauts' on the moon before 2030

China aims to land its first astronauts on the moon before 2030, with plans unveiled for a complex mission involving multiple launches. The Chinese space agency CMSA detailed the mission at a conference, highlighting the use of a Long March 10 rocket to send three taikonauts in a Mengzhou capsule, followed by a Lanyue lunar lander. This approach mirrors the U.S. Artemis program, which also seeks to establish a permanent presence on the moon's south pole. Both nations are racing to access lunar resources, particularly water ice found in permanently shadowed craters. Testing of key components is ongoing, with the U.S. aiming for its Artemis IV mission in 2028, potentially ahead of China's efforts.