China plans to send astronauts to the Moon for the first time, landing near the “geological museum” area of Rimay‑Bode.

China is preparing for a crewed lunar mission by 2030

*Space.com* reports that over the past year, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) has been conducting comprehensive tests of equipment for the future landing of “taikonauts” – astronaut‑explorers of the Moon. As part of the preparation, flight and landing simulations are carried out, along with a detailed geoengineering assessment of potential landing sites.

1. Selection of the Rimae-Bode region
A team of scientists led by Jun Huang, professor at China University of Earth Sciences in Wuhan, analyzed hundreds of orbital images and data from various spacecraft. Based on this information they narrowed down 14 candidates from an initial list of 106 locations, with the Rimae‑Bode regions receiving top priority.

Why this area? | Criterion | Assessment

|----------|--------|

| Engineering safety | Located closer to Earth – ensures reliable communication. |

| Terrain | Flat areas and low latitudes provide ample solar energy. |

| Scientific potential | Within a small area lie ancient lava flows, crater ejecta, and diverse lunar material. |

Within the region four possible landing sites have been identified; sample‑collection priorities differ at each site.

2. Scientific goals
Huang called Rimae‑Bode a “geological museum” where safety and rich scientific potential combine. Astronauts will be able to collect:

- volcanic ash, glass beads, and other deposits from the dark mantle,

- fragments from ancient impacts.

The main goal is to obtain direct access to the chemical composition of the Moon’s deep layers, usually hidden beneath kilometers of crust. Analyzing these samples will allow:

1. Understanding the history of lunar volcanism.

2. Determining the mechanisms of its cooling and the causes of large eruptions.

3. Next steps
* A final decision on the landing site has not yet been made; it is expected that a dedicated lunar remote‑sensing satellite launch will provide additional data for selection.

* As part of the preparation for the crewed mission, the new spacecraft Měnchóu‑1 will complete its first orbital unmanned flight by the end of this year. The Changzheng‑10A superheavy rocket will be used for its launch.

Thus, China is already systematically advancing toward achieving its goal: landing a taikonaut crew on the Moon by 2030 and uncovering its geological mysteries.