China launches astronauts into space amid new race to Moon
China has successfully launched three astronauts into space as part of its Shenzhou-23 mission, aimed at studying the effects of long-term space habitation. One astronaut will remain on the Tiangong space station for a year, marking one of China's longest missions. This launch occurs amid heightened competition with the United States for lunar exploration and potential colonization.
- ▪The Shenzhou-23 mission was launched using the Long March-2F Y23 carrier rocket from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.
- ▪Payload specialist Lai Ka-ying is the first astronaut from Hong Kong to participate in a Chinese space mission.
- ▪China aims to achieve a crewed lunar landing by 2030, ahead of the US's target of 2028.
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China launches Shenzhou-23 astronauts into space amid new race to MoonTopic:SpaceMon 25 May 2026 at 1:40pmMon 25 May 2026 at 1:40pmMon 25 May 2026 at 1:40pmLoading...In short:China has launched three astronauts into space as part of a study into how long-term stays in orbit could impact humans.One of the astronauts will stay on China's Tiangong space station for a year.What's next?China hopes a successful crewed lunar landing before 2030 will boost its plans to establish a permanent base on the Moon by 2035.abc.net.au/news/china-launches-shenzhou-23-astronauts-into-space/106718456Link copiedShareShare articleChina has launched three astronauts into space as part of efforts towards its goal of landing a crew on the Moon by 2030.The Shenzhou-23 vessel launched at 11:08pm on Sunday, local…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).