China developing new generation of reusable manned spacecraft

China is developing its new generation of manned spacecraft. [Photo: spacechina.com]

China is developing a new generation of reusable manned spacecraft, which can both achieve low earth orbit and carry out manned moon landings, the newspaper Science and Technology Daily reports.

The plans were revealed by Zhang Bonan, the chief designer at the China Aerospace and Technology Corporation. "The maiden flight of our first generation of manned spacecraft is 40 years behind those of foreign countries. We aim to catch up with international practices." added Zhang.

According to Zhang, spacecraft developed by foreign countries can currently carry at most 6 people into low earth orbit, with a maximum of 3 to 4 people for a moon landing. 

So far, NASA's Orion spacecraft is the only one in existence which can achieve a manned moon landing. "Our new generation spacecraft aims to match or reach beyond the international level." says Zhang.

Zhang Bonan, chief designer from the China Aerospace and Technology Corporation. [File Photo: thepaper.cn]

Last year, a scaled-down re-entry module of China's Long March 7 Rocket successfully returned to the Earth. The return proved the aerodynamic configurations and thermal protection structure adopted in the new generation of multifunctional re-entry modules, says Zhang.

In April this year, China will launch its Tianzhou 1 unmanned cargo spacecraft by a Long March 7 Rocket. The spacecraft is planned to dock with the Tiangong-2 space laboratory. In 2018, the first core module of the space station will be launched, reports Science and Technology Daily.

As yet, China hasn't officially approved the project of developing a new generation of manned spacecraft. "Facing intense international competition, it could be too late if we set about developing them after receiving project approval. We must do it ahead of time." explains Zhang.

Zhang has suggested establishing a system of compensation afterwards for such non-commercial development projects, to encourage companies to innovate.