China launches historic space mission with year-long stay in Orbit

Sunday 24 May 2026 - 09:30

China is preparing to launch a major new space mission that will include the country’s first attempt to keep an astronaut in orbit for an entire year, marking another important step in Beijing’s long-term ambitions for space exploration.

The Shenzhou-23 mission is scheduled to lift off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center aboard a Long March 2F rocket. The spacecraft will transport three astronauts to China’s Tiangong Space Station, also known as the “Heavenly Palace.”

The mission is expected to play a key role in China’s objective of sending astronauts to the Moon before 2030. Scientists and engineers view the year-long orbital stay as essential preparation for future deep-space missions, including possible human missions to Mars.

One of the mission’s most significant milestones is the participation of Li Jiaying, who will become the first astronaut from Hong Kong to travel into space. Before joining the space program, Li reportedly worked in law enforcement in Hong Kong.

The other crew members include commander Zhu Yangzhu, an aerospace engineer, and Zhang Zhiyuan, a former air force pilot making his first journey into space.

During the mission, the astronauts will conduct scientific experiments related to life sciences, material sciences, fluid physics, and medicine. Researchers are particularly interested in studying how long-term exposure to microgravity affects the human body.

Experts note that extended space missions can cause significant health challenges, including muscle loss, reduced bone density, sleep disruption, radiation exposure, and psychological stress. The mission will also test the reliability of life-support systems such as water and air recycling technologies.

China has rapidly expanded its space program over the past two decades, investing heavily in satellite systems, lunar exploration, and crewed missions. The upcoming launch further strengthens the country’s position as one of the world’s leading space powers.