China conducts successful escape test for new manned spacecraft

The Mengzhou spacecraft is a new generation of manned space vehicles independently developed for future space missions. Unlike the Shenzhou system — in which the rocket was responsible for escape and the spacecraft for rescue — Mengzhou handles both tasks as a fully integrated system, according to the agency.

Tuesday's test evaluated the performance of escape and rescue subsystems, verified the escape sequence and separation mechanisms, and gathered real-flight data on escape trajectories through closed-loop control systems.

Escape and rescue capabilities are critical safety measures in manned spaceflight, allowing astronauts to be pulled away from danger and returned to Earth in the event of an emergency during launch.

Mengzhou is designed to carry up to seven astronauts and meets advanced international standards, the agency said.