Outer space

Space bombshell: China takes huge step towards human Moon landing

A Long March 5B launched the spacecraft on Tuesday which descend with three parachutes. Airbags were deployed to further cushion the landing. The new spacecraft is partially reusable, designer Guo Bin told CCTV: “We designed a foldable shield.

“During the flight, when the spacecraft needs docking with the space station, the shield will spread out, exposing the rendezvous and docking mechanism and sensor.”

According to China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp (CASC), the reentry speed was greater than 9km/s.

The 67 hour mission was designed to test deep space capabilities, according to Space News.

A 20 metric ton core stage - an external unit - remains in orbit and should make an uncontrolled re-entry on Sunday due to atmospheric drag.