The Asian power has announced a manned mission to the Moon by 2030. The launch of Shenzhou-16, the official name of the mission, marks a new breakthrough in the Chinese space program.
In addition to the landing of humans, China also hopes to establish a scientific base on the moon before the end of this decade. The news resonates with echoes of the old space race between the Soviet Union and the United States, but with new players facing stiff competition on numerous fronts. The mission is commanded by General Jin Haipeng, 56, an experienced taikonaut facing his fourth trip into space; and with him are Colonel Zhu Yangzhou, 36.