ILRS Updates

Sharing latest updates on the International Lunar Research Station program to develop humanity's presence on the moon. NOT an official CNSA/Roscosmos account.🚀

[ILRS Updates @ILRS_Updates]

ILRS missions and plans: a thread

Replies to this tweet will list all of the planned #ILRS missions from CNSA and Roscosmos as well as some hypothetical future missions that have yet to be officially planned but have been the subject of discussion by officials.

[CNSPACE @CNSpaceflight]

Meanwhile, Long March 5 of Chang'e-7 mission rolled out to launch pad at Wenchang

[Ace of Razgriz @raz_liu]

Close-up stage capture footage of the CZ-10B from the cable net barge. via https://t.co/ulR7uRDRBC

[Mao Ning 毛宁 @SpoxCHN_MaoNing]

A historic day in China’s space program!

China’s Long March-10B has successfully completed its maiden flight—and recovered its first stage via a sea-based net. This marks the country’s first-ever controlled rocket recovery. A major leap toward reusable launch capabilities. 🚀🌊🇨🇳

[Andrew Jones @AJ_FI]

Onboard view of descent and views of the capture.

[Ace of Razgriz @raz_liu]

Drone footage of the landing burn & catch. via CCTV

[ILRS Updates @ILRS_Updates]

Today's successful launch of Long March 10B verifies the capabilites of the first stage for launching orbital missions and for recovery. Historic success!

This paves the way for at least two further expected launches of LM-10A this year (a lunar sat launch + Mengzhou to LEO) 🚀

[Ace of Razgriz @raz_liu]

Catching footage

[kelvin @kelvin61942434]

It is the launch day!
T-12 hour till CZ-10A 1st stage verification test & CZ-10B maiden flight.
Wish the best of luck to CALT and the entire CZ-10 team!

[Ace of Razgriz @raz_liu]

CZ-10B is vertical at Pad 2 of Wengchang commercical LC. pic via Xiaohongshu

[Ace of Razgriz @raz_liu]

CZ-10B is transporting to the Pad 2 of Wenchang commercical LC.

[afec7032 🇷🇺 @afec7032]

ISS Reshetnev shares last year's footage of the high gain antenna for Orel spacecraft, as well as solar panel drive/actuator control system for the NEM module

[Ace of Razgriz @raz_liu]

CZ-10B's wet dress rehearsal has completed. Pending for the maiden launch.

[afec7032 🇷🇺 @afec7032]

Construction of Angara launch complex is now officially fully completed, as remaining objects at the launch site were put into operation, reports Directorate of the Vostochny Cosmodrome.

Launch site is now waiting for launches, the next one will probably be Orel's pad abort test

[Ace of Razgriz @raz_liu]

CZ-10B is loading fuel. Probably of a WDR or a static fire test.

[afec7032 🇷🇺 @afec7032]

New photos of the vacuum chamber at the Vostochny cosmodrome, where the Orel spacecraft will be tested before every flight

[afec7032 🇷🇺 @afec7032]

Another photo of Orel's service module hull, which are built by ONPP Technologiya

3.5 x 4.8 m hull is built out of polymer composite materials.
For Orel, this enterprise also makes service module fairings and the launch vehicle adapters.

[Andrew Jones @AJ_FI]

The key aspect of Chang'e-7 is the hopper/mini-flying probe designed to head into permanently shadowed craters near the lunar south pole and drill for water-ice. Many plans for lunar exploration hinge on the presence of water.

[Andrew Jones @AJ_FI]

The Chang'e-7 spacecraft arrived at Wenchang spaceport on April 9. The robotic lunar south pole landing mission will be prepared for launch for the second half of 2026, according to CMSEO. https://t.co/raygzmqX8W

[ILRS Updates @ILRS_Updates]

@meaglon3 @ynchnhorn196202 Each manned lunar mission will entail two back-to-back launches of the Long March 10. One will send the Mengzhou crew capsule to the moon, another will send the Lanyue lunar lander. As both CZ-10 vehicles will need to be stacked roughly concurrently, the dual VABs are practical.

[Andrew Jones @AJ_FI]

SAST is displaying an economical lunar cargo transportation spacecraft at a conference in Shanghai. A demo version has already completed liftoff, hovering and landing tests. Image via xinhua.