China to send astronaut on year-long space mission as it eyes 2030 moon landing
China is set to launch its Shenzhou-23 mission on May 24, 2026, sending an astronaut to its space station for a year-long stay. This mission aims to study long-duration human physiology in space as part of China's preparations for a crewed moon landing by 2030. The mission will also involve significant advancements in China's lunar program, including safety tests of new hardware and autonomous docking procedures.
- ▪The Shenzhou-23 mission will feature a year-long stay for one astronaut, a record for China.
- ▪Payload specialist Li Jiaying will be the first astronaut from Hong Kong to participate in a Chinese space mission.
- ▪China aims to establish a permanent lunar base by 2035, collaborating with Russia.
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China will send an astronaut to its space station on Sunday (May 24, 2026) for a year, a record length for the country, enabling the study of long-duration human physiology in space as Beijing works towards its ambition of a crewed moon landing by 2030.The Shenzhou-23 vessel is scheduled to launch at 11:08 p.m. (1508 GMT) using the Long March-2F Y23 carrier rocket from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, with three Chinese astronauts on board.Payload specialist Li Jiaying, a former Hong Kong police inspector, will be the first astronaut from the city to take part in a Chinese space mission. The other crew members are Commander Zhu Yangzhu and Pilot Zhang Yuanzhi, both from the People’s Liberation Army’s astronaut division.China, U.S.
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