China successfully conducted a zero-altitude escape test for the manned spacecraft Mengzhou (Dream Vessel) at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Northwest China’s Gansu Province on June 17, 2025. Photo: Courtesy of China Manned Space Engineering Office

China successfully conducted a zero-altitude escape test for the manned spacecraft Mengzhou (Dream Vessel) at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Northwest China’s Gansu Province on Tuesday, marking a significant breakthrough in the development of China’s manned lunar exploration program.According to a statement released by the China Manned Space Engineering Office (CMSEO) obtained by the Global Times on Tuesday, this is the first time in 27 years that China has conducted such a test since the zero-altitude escape test carried out by the Shenzhou crewed spacecraft back in 1998.At 12:30 pm when the ignition command was issued, the escape engines of the Mengzhou manned spacecraft were successfully ignited. Propelled by solid-fuel engines, the combined spacecraft-and-tower assembly soared into the sky. Approximately 20 seconds later, it reached the predetermined altitude, where the return capsule safely separated from the escape tower and the parachute deployed smoothly.At 12:32 pm, the return capsule landed safely in the designated area of the test zone using an air cushion system, marking the complete success of the test.According to the CMSEO, compared with the Shenzhou manned spacecraft model, the Mengzhou spacecraft uses a new model that differs from the previous approach, in which the rocket handled escape and the spacecraft handled rescue. Instead, the Mengzhou system now takes overall charge of both escape and rescue functions.The test comprehensively evaluated the escape and rescue subsystems of the Mengzhou spacecraft, as well as related major systems. It also verified the accuracy and compatibility of designs such as escape sequencing, in-flight separation, and closed-loop trajectory control during escape, while obtaining real flight data for the escape process.Escape and rescue serve as a critical safety measure for manned space missions. In the event of an emergency or serious malfunction, it can carry the spacecraft’s return capsule – along with the astronauts – away from the dangerous zone and ensure the safe return to Earth.The Mengzhou manned spacecraft is a new-generation, fully independently developed spacecraft designed by China for future manned space missions. Featuring a modular design, the spacecraft can carry up to seven astronauts, with its overall performance reaching internationally advanced standards.The Mengzhou manned spacecraft is set to become the core aircraft supporting missions such as the application and development of the space station mission and manned lunar exploration. The success of this test has laid an important technical foundation for future crewed lunar missions, according to the CMSEO.In addition, the development of other spacecraft involved in the crewed lunar missions – such as the Long March-10 carrier rocket and the lunar lander – is progressing steadily, with related tests scheduled to proceed as planned.