China’s 2030 moon landing: scientists suggest a site that has long been on Nasa’s radar

South China Morning PostEN 2 min read 100% complete by Holly ChikMarch 10, 2026 at 07:00 AM

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Chinese scientists have proposed the Rimae Bode region on the near side of the moon as a potential landing site for China's planned 2030 crewed lunar mission. The area is favored due to its diverse geological samples, including volcanic debris, which could provide insights into lunar volcanism. Rimae Bode also offers relatively flat terrain, making it safer and more accessible for astronauts. The study, published in Nature Astronomy, highlights the region's high scientific value and favorable landing conditions, noting it was previously considered by NASA's Constellation program. Researchers analyzed orbital images to identify feasible landing sites within Rimae Bode, including a fresh crater with dark ejecta.

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Wuhan 30% Mars 30% University of Münster College of Science 40% Guilin University of Technology 40% China University of Geosciences 50% Chinese Academy of Sciences 50% Nature Astronomy ×360% Moon ×270% NASA ×480% China ×290% Rimae Bode ×695%

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moon landing 100% rimae bode 90% landing site 80% china 70% lunar volcanism 70% nasa 70% lunar nearside 60% lunar mission 60% geological samples 60% astronaut access 50%