China Sets Ambitious Goal to Land Taikonauts in Moon’s Rimae Bode Region by 2030

• March 11, 2026

China aims to achieve its first crewed landing on the Moon by 2030, focusing on a scientifically significant site known as the Rimae Bode region. This lunar area, often described as a local “geological museum”, has become the center of China’s upcoming human spaceflight ambitions beyond Earth’s orbit.

Recent reports indicate that China’s space agency has been actively preparing for this milestone. Over the past year, extensive equipment tests have been conducted to simulate the entire mission process, including both the lunar landing and subsequent launch from the Moon’s surface. These efforts demonstrate a methodical approach to developing the necessary technology to safely deliver taikonauts—China’s term for its astronauts—to the lunar environment and return them to Earth.

Focusing on Lunar Science and Exploration

The selection of Rimae Bode for the manned mission is strategically driven by its rich geological features. Scientists and mission planners have performed detailed analyses to prioritize this region based on its potential for scientific discovery. Sometimes referred to as a geological museum, the Rimae Bode area presents a unique opportunity to study lunar formations and history in greater depth through direct human exploration.

This lunar site is characterized by complex features such as rilles—long, channel-like depressions—and diverse rock formations, offering insights into the Moon’s volcanic and tectonic past. Exploring this location with humans on-site could provide more comprehensive data than previous robotic missions, which have delivered vital but limited information.

The planned crewed mission will mark an important step forward for China’s space program, building on its achievements with robotic lunar probes and space station operations. While details about spacecraft design, crew size, and support infrastructure were not disclosed, ongoing testing of mission procedures underscores China’s commitment to building a reliable human lunar capability.

China’s push toward landing taikonauts on the Moon aligns with broader ambitions to establish a sustained human presence in space. Success in reaching and exploring Rimae Bode would position China among the elite group of nations with crewed lunar capabilities, potentially opening new avenues for scientific research, international collaboration, and future space infrastructure development.

With the 2030 timeline set for this landmark mission, the coming years will be crucial as China continues to refine its technologies and finalize mission plans. This project represents a major milestone not only for Chinese space exploration but also for humanity’s ongoing quest to understand and explore Earth’s nearest celestial neighbor.

China plans a crewed lunar mission targeting the geologically rich Rimae Bode region, with testing underway for a 2030 touchdown.