On September 28, 2024, China Manned Space Agency revealed the exterior design of its first lunar spacesuit. The spacesuit is designed to protect astronauts from the harsh conditions of the moon including extreme temperatures, solar radiation and the near-vacuum atmosphere.
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The China Manned Space Agency officially revealed the new lunar spacesuit on September 28, 2024, during a presentation in Chongqing, China.
Yang Liwei, the deputy chief designer of China’s manned space program introduced the suit. The Lunar Spacesuit is specifically engineered for the harsh lunar environment.
The new Lunar Spacesuit features a striking red-and-white color scheme designed not only for functionality but also for visual impact.
Red stripes on the upper limbs are inspired by the flying apsaras, deities seen in ancient Dunhuang art, symbolizing freedom and grace in microgravity. The lower limbs feature red stripes resembling rocket launch flames.
The lunar environment has temperatures ranging from 120 degrees Celsius during the day to minus 130 degrees Celsius at night. The suit provides protection from these extremes.
The lightweight Lunar Spacesuit is also engineered for the moon’s low gravity, allowing astronauts to perform a wide range of movements such as walking, climbing and squatting, necessary for lunar exploration tasks.
It features mobility joints at the knees to enhance ease of movement particularly crucial in a low-gravity environment like the moon.
The Lunar Spacesuit uses a specialized protective fabric designed to shield astronauts from these hazards. Solar radiation levels on the moon are much higher than on Earth due to the lack of an atmosphere.
The Lunar Spacesuit provides a high level of protection to counter these harmful rays. The suit also provides protection against the vacuum of space
The Lunar Spacesuit includes a panoramic antiglare visor to shield astronauts from the sun’s intense glare. A multi-functional integrated console on the chest of the suit connects to systems including communications, cameras and life support systems.
This allows for real-time communication with mission control and the collection of video footage and scientific data.
Chinese cultural elements were blended into the design, symbolizing national pride and strength. The suit’s design incorporates red decorative straps on the upper body, representing the strength and grace found in Chinese philosophy.
These red straps are also reminiscent of the fiery trails of rockets during liftoff, embodying the fiery determination driving China’s lunar exploration program.
The overall design of the suit also takes inspiration from traditional Chinese armor, symbolizing a mix of ancient fortitude with modern technological advancement.
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Special attention was given to ergonomics, as the suit is designed to allow a wide range of movements without compromising safety. Whether astronauts are walking or performing complex tasks on the lunar surface, the suit ensures a tight fit and remains comfortable even in a low-gravity environment.
The gloves are built with increased flexibility to allow fine motor skills necessary for handling tools, collecting samples and conducting scientific experiments.
The unveiling of the lunar spacesuit is part of China’s larger plan to send astronauts to the moon by 2030. The mission will involve two separate launches of the Long March 10 rockets, one to transport astronauts and the other to carry the lunar lander.
Once the two vehicles, Mengzhou spacecraft and Lanyue lunar lander dock in orbit, two astronauts will spend approximately six hours on the lunar surface, conducting scientific research before rejoining their colleague in orbit and returning to Earth.
CMSA plans to launch several robotic missions to the lunar South Pole before the manned mission. These precursor missions planned for 2026 and 2028 will focus on resource surveys and in-situ resource utilization tests.
CMSA has also invited the public to suggest names for the new spacesuit, encouraging citizens to blend elements of traditional Chinese culture with modern technology.
The forum in Chongqing hosted the spacesuit unveiling and also launched a spacesuit design competition for middle school and college students, inspiring the next generation of space explorers and engineers.
China’s plans parallel those of NASA’s Artemis program, which also aims to return humans to the moon by 2026 or 2027.
While China is on track with its lunar program, NASA has faced delays with its Artemis lander. NASA’s Artemis 3 mission, scheduled for no earlier than September 2026, intends to land the first astronauts near the lunar South Pole.
Both countries are working to establish sustainable lunar exploration programs and China’s planned International Lunar Research Station will be developed in the 2030s.
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