China launches three-crew space flight as part of lunar ambitions
China has launched its Shenzhou-23 mission, which includes three astronauts, marking a significant step in its lunar ambitions. One astronaut will spend a year in orbit, a first for China, as part of preparations for future lunar missions. This mission is part of China's broader goal to land astronauts on the moon by 2030 and develop a scientific base by 2035.
- ▪The Shenzhou-23 mission was launched from the Jiuquan space centre in north-west China.
- ▪This mission includes the first astronaut from Hong Kong, Lai Ka-ying, along with two other crew members.
- ▪One astronaut will spend a full year in orbit to study the effects of long-term microgravity exposure.
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The three astronauts on the mission at a seeing-off ceremony at the Jiuquan space centre in north-west China. Photograph: Maxim Shemetov/ReutersView image in fullscreenThe three astronauts on the mission at a seeing-off ceremony at the Jiuquan space centre in north-west China. Photograph: Maxim Shemetov/ReutersChinaChina launches three-crew space flight as part of lunar ambitionsMission will put first astronaut in orbit for a year, a key step in Beijing’s plan to put people on the moon by 2030Agence France-Presse in BeijingSun 24 May 2026 11.10 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleChina has launched its Shenzhou-23 mission in which an astronaut will spend a full year in orbit for the first time, a crucial step in Beijing’s ambition to send humans to the moon by 2030.The Long March 2-F…
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