CMSA: Lunar-landing phase of exploration program advancing steadily

The China Manned Space Agency says work is progressing steadily across all tasks in the lunar-landing phase of the country's lunar exploration program.

In a video released Saturday, the agency outlined several key upcoming missions. These include a verification flight of the Long March 10 rocket, the first flights of the Mengzhou crewed spacecraft and the Lanyue lunar lander, and the Chang’e 7 mission.

The agency also said the China Space Station will open to scientists worldwide as a platform for space science experiments. The goal is to foster deeper cooperation in scientific research, astronaut training, joint flight opportunities, and science education and outreach. The station is also expected to welcome its first international astronaut and to introduce a low-cost cargo transportation system in the near future.

The updates were announced at the 7th Manned Space Symposium, which opened Saturday in Beijing.