The prototype of China’s manned lunar rover has advanced to the first stage of development.

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Video on msnbc.com: The China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) said Friday that the prototype of a Chinese lunar rover intended for the nation's manned lunar missions is currently in its first development stage. With its foldable and modular design, the lunar rover can accommodate two astronauts during manned missions. The rover, which resembles an open-top off-road vehicle and features features from ancient Chinese chariots, is depicted in a concept illustration made public by the CAST./p> p>According to the CAST, the design of this lunar rover was a collaboration between the automaker GAC Group, T

The China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) said Friday that the prototype of a Chinese lunar rover intended for the nation’s manned lunar missions is currently in its first development stage. With its foldable and modular design, the lunar rover can accommodate two astronauts during manned missions. The rover, which resembles an open-top off-road vehicle and features features from ancient Chinese chariots, is depicted in a concept illustration made public by the CAST.

According to the CAST, the design of this lunar rover was a collaboration between the automaker GAC Group, Tsinghua University, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Harbin Institute of Technology, and Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Also, the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST) is working on a parallel development program for China’s lunar rover. The manned lunar rover is built for rapid mobility across rough terrain, accurate positioning and navigation, improved safety assistance, and constant, real-time contact with Earth. On the lunar surface, it will also work with lunar infrastructure to conduct integrated human-machine exploration missions.

China is making rapid progress towards its goal of sending humans to the moon by 2030. Prototypes of the manned spacecraft Mengzhou, the lunar lander Lanyue, the Long March-10 carrier rocket, and the astronaut spacesuit are currently being produced and tested on the ground. The development of Lanyue and Mengzhou is the responsibility of the CAST. Ten astronauts will participate in a training program for manned lunar landings, according to the China Manned Space Agency. The astronauts are expected to learn how to control lunar rovers and manoeuvre spacecraft.