
The Chang'e-8 lander will add a mechanical "crane" structure, which can place the lunar rover, moonquake detector, and other payloads on the lunar surface, eliminating the need to design a transfer mechanism for each payload.
China to complete multiple crewed missions to the lunar surface before 2030
2025 - Loads of tests, mockups, ground infrastructure developments
2026 - Long March 10A debut - Mengzhou test
2027 - Long March 10 debut - Lanyue lunar landing demonstration
2027 - Most engineering hurdles for the crewed lunar phase will be accomplished
2028 - Crewed circumlunar flight
2029 - Two expeditions to the Lunar south pole