As the global space race intensifies, China is rapidly emerging as a formidable contender in the quest to return humans to the moon. While much attention has centered on the lunar south pole due to its rich resources and strategic advantages, recent research suggests that China may be targeting a different, less hazardous site for its first crewed lunar landing. A recently published study in *Nature Astronomy* highlights Rimae Bode, an obscure region near the lunar equator on the near side of the moon, as a prime candidate for China’s initial crewed mission, potentially scheduled for as early as 2030.
The lunar south pole has long been regarded as the most coveted area for future moon landings. This region is dotted with shadowed craters that harbor water ice—a crucial resource for sustaining life and producing rocket fuel—and its crater rims enjoy near-constant sunlight, offering reliable solar power. Additionally, the South Pole–Aitken Basin, the largest and oldest impact structure on the moon, dominates the area and presents a unique environment for scientific research. The far side location of the basin also provides a natural shield from Earth’s radio noise, making it an ideal spot for sensitive astronomical observations.
However, the south pole poses significant challenges. Its rugged terrain increases risks for landing and exploration, and its location on the moon’s far side means it lacks a direct communication link with Earth unless a relay satellite is in place. The United States, through NASA’s Artemis program, is targeting nine potential landing sites in the region for a planned 2028 mission, but the difficulties remain substantial.
In contrast, the new study led by Jun Huang, a planetary geologist at China University of Geosciences in Wuhan, argues that Rimae Bode offers a safer and scientifically rich alternative. Situated north of the lunar equator on the Earth-facing side, Rimae Bode presents flatter terrain that is easier to navigate and land on. Its location also ensures continuous communication with Earth and abundant sunlight during the lunar day to power equipment and sustain astronauts. These practical advantages make it a compelling “sweet spot” for China’s first crewed lunar foray.
Jim Head, an emeritus professor at Brown University who played a pivotal role in selecting Apollo mission landing sites and training astronauts in lunar geology, concurs with this assessment. Although not involved in the study, Head collaborates with Chinese scientists and recognizes Rimae Bode as a top candidate, one that was even considered during the Apollo era. He emphasizes the enduring scientific value of the region, which remains relevant over half a century after the Apollo missions.
Geologically, Rimae Bode is uniquely positioned between Mare Vaporum—a basin filled with dark, solidified lava—and the older, lighter-colored, rugged central highlands. This location offers an unparalleled diversity of lunar features and materials, something the south pole does not provide. Huang describes the area as a geological “all-you-can-eat buffet,” highlighting five key features that make it scientifically intriguing: a vast layer of glassy volcanic ash, a basalt plain known as Sinus Aestuum, two basaltic terrains that contain volcanic trenches called rilles, and the surrounding highlands.
The volcanic ash layer is of particular interest. It likely originated billions of years ago from eruptions deep within the lunar mantle, carrying with it tiny glass beads that serve as “time capsules” encapsulating the moon’s volcanic past. These beads could shed light on the moon’s interior composition and the evolution of its volcanic activity, helping scientists piece together the moon’s transformation from a fiery, active world into the relatively quiet celestial neighbor observed today.
Adding to the site’s appeal are suggestions from orbital data that the ash may contain significant water resources. Clive Neal, a planetary scientist at the University of Notre Dame, points out that such water-rich minerals could be vital for life support systems and fuel production on the moon. Importantly, none of these deposits have yet been sampled, presenting an opportunity for China to pioneer new scientific discoveries.
The potential presence of water-rich minerals also raises the possibility that the lunar mantle may be wetter than previously thought. From a mission planning perspective, the availability of accessible resources at an equatorial site like Rimae Bode could simplify the establishment of a sustainable human outpost, possibly offering a more practical alternative to the more challenging polar regions.
Based on their comprehensive analysis of mineralogy, topography, and crater distribution, Huang and his colleagues propose four possible landing sites within