China plans to send astronauts to the Moon within four years

China has publicly outlined its plans for lunar exploration, aiming to send humans to the Moon by 2030. The mission will begin with the testing of the Long March 10A rocket in early 2027, which will carry cargo to the Chinese space station. In 2028, a lunar lander named Lanyue will be launched for an uncrewed landing attempt. By 2029, separate rockets will launch the spacecraft and lander, aiming to dock in lunar orbit. The crewed lunar landing will involve three astronauts, with two descending to the surface for experiments over three Earth days. NASA plans its next lunar landing for early 2028, but the reliability of its partners' lunar landers remains uncertain.