Mengzhou

Next-Generation Crewed Spacecraft

Mission Profile

Mengzhou (Next-Generation Crewed Spacecraft) is China's new crewed spacecraft designed to carry up to six astronauts to the Tiangong Space Station or up to three for lunar orbit missions aboard Long March 5B rockets, test-flown unmanned on 5 May 2020. Significantly larger than the Shenzhou at 8.8 tonnes, Mengzhou features a reusable returnable capsule and service module architecture optimized for both LEO station operations and future crewed lunar missions. The spacecraft incorporates modern systems including non-toxic propellants, a redesigned parachute and retrorocket landing system, and the capability for both ISS-docking-compatible port configuration and future lunar orbit insertion burns. Mengzhou will eventually support China's crewed lunar landing program planned for the early 2030s.