Advanced lunar life support system 'close to unveiling'

China is moving progressively toward completion of a cutting-edge life-support system that could be used at a future lunar base, according to a senior scientist.

The Yuegong-1, or Lunar Palace-1, is now undergoing a 105-day airtight test that will end on May 20, said Professor Liu Hong, director of the Research Center of Space Life Science and Life Support Technology at Beihang University in Beijing, which specializes in aeronautic and astronautic research. The system will then be shown to the public, Liu told China Daily in an exclusive interview on Tuesday.

The Yuegong-1 is a bioregenerative life-support system, the most advanced technology capable of providing a habitation environment similar to Earth's biosphere. It is designed for use on space missions of extended duration, in deep space, and with multiple crews, Liu said.