China Unveils Names for Lunar Spacesuit and Rover
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Synopsis
On February 12, the China Manned Space Agency revealed the names of its moon-landing spacesuit, Wangyu, and the manned lunar rover, Tansuo, reflecting China's commitment to lunar exploration and peaceful space use.
Key Takeaways
- Wangyu is the name of the moon-landing spacesuit.
- Tansuo refers to the manned lunar rover.
- China aims for a lunar astronaut landing before 2030.
- The names were chosen from 9,000 public submissions.
- The mission includes advanced rover capabilities.
Beijing, Feb 12 (NationPress) On Wednesday, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) announced the names for the moon-landing spacesuit and the manned lunar rover as part of the nation's lunar exploration initiatives.
The moon-landing spacesuit has been designated as Wangyu, which translates to 'gazing into the cosmos', akin to the name of the country's extravehicular spacesuit, Feitian, meaning 'flying into space', as reported by the CMSA and Xinhua news agency.
This signifies that following the achievement of spaceflight objectives and the establishment of China's space station, the nation’s manned space program is embarking on a new voyage towards the moon and further into space.
The name also illustrates China's unwavering dedication to the peaceful utilization of outer space and its role in fostering a community with a shared future for humanity through its space initiatives.
The manned lunar rover is named Tansuo, which means 'to explore the unknown'. This reflects the rover's mission and its instrumental role in assisting the Chinese populace in unveiling the secrets of the moon, according to the agency.
Moreover, the name symbolizes the innovative spirit and the quest for discovery inherent in China's manned space program. The two names were chosen from nearly 9,000 suggestions gathered from the public. China aims to land its astronauts on the moon for scientific exploration before 2030.
To facilitate this mission, two carrier rockets will be launched to place a manned spacecraft and a lunar lander into lunar orbit, where they will rendezvous and dock before the astronauts enter the lander.
Once the lander reaches the moon's surface, astronauts will pilot the lunar rover for scientific exploration. As per previous mission designs, the manned lunar rover will feature capabilities such as manned driving, lunar surface navigation, positioning support, and safety assistance, aiding astronauts in their movement, communication, and exploration efforts.
The CMSA reported that the research and development of both Wangyu and Tansuo are advancing smoothly.
