China launches Shenzhou 23 spacecraft with 1 of 3 astronauts set for yearlong stay
China successfully launched the Shenzhou 23 spacecraft carrying three astronauts, including one who will spend a year in space. This mission is part of China's expanding space program, which aims for a crewed lunar landing by 2030. The astronauts will conduct various scientific projects and rotate with the crew of Shenzhou 21 currently at the Tiangong space station.
- ▪The Shenzhou 23 spacecraft launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China.
- ▪One astronaut, Lai Ka-ying, is the first from Hong Kong to participate in a space mission.
- ▪The mission aims to explore human adaptability in long-duration spaceflight environments.
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World China launches Shenzhou 23 spacecraft with 1 of 3 astronauts set for yearlong stay May 25, 20261:26 AM ET By The Associated Press The Shenzhou-23 manned mission launches from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Jiuquan, northwestern China on Sunday, May 24, 2026. Ng Han Guan/AP hide caption toggle caption Ng Han Guan/AP JIUQUAN, China — China launched the Shenzhou 23 spacecraft Sunday night with three astronauts heading to its space station, including one set to stay in space for a year. The spacecraft blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China. The much-anticipated launch comes as China prepares for its first crewed lunar landing by 2030.
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