China Launches Shenzhou-23 with Hong Kong's First Astronaut and Year-Long Mission
China launched the Shenzhou-23 mission on May 24, 2026, from Jiuquan, sending three astronauts—commander Zhu Yangzhu, pilot Zhang Zhiyuan, and payload specialist Lai Ka-ying (Hong Kong's first astronaut)—to the Tiangong space station. One crew member will remain in orbit for a full year, China's longest human spaceflight, to study microgravity effects. The mission supports China's goal of landing astronauts on the Moon by 2030 and includes preparations for a future Pakistani astronaut visit.
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China Launches Shenzhou-23 Crewed Mission as Part of Moon Ambitions
China successfully launched its Shenzhou-23 spacecraft on May 24, 2026, from the Jiuquan launch center, docking with the Tiangong space station after 3.5 hours. The mission includes the first astronaut from Hong Kong, 43-year-old Li Jiaying, along with crew members Zhu Yangzhu and Zhang Zhiyuan. A key experiment involves one astronaut spending a full year in orbit to study microgravity effects, supporting China's goal to land humans on the Moon by 2030. The mission also tests equipment for future lunar and Mars missions. China plans to welcome its first foreign astronaut from Pakistan by year-end and is developing the Mengzhou spacecraft to replace the Shenzhou line. The launch is part of China's broader space program expansion, competing with the US Artemis program.
Korea Times NewsChina Successfully Launches Shenzhou-23 Mission to Tiangong Space Station with Year-Long Stay Experiment
China launched its Shenzhou-23 manned spacecraft on a Long March 2-F rocket from Jiuquan in the Gobi Desert, successfully docking with the Tiangong space station after a three-and-a-half-hour flight. The mission carries three astronauts: Commander Zhu Yangzhu (39), a space engineer; Zhang Zhiyuan (39), a former air force pilot on his first spaceflight; and Li Jiaying (43), the first astronaut from Hong Kong, formerly with the Hong Kong police. A key feature of the mission is that one crew member will remain in orbit for a full year to study the effects of long-duration microgravity on humans, including bone density loss, muscle wasting, radiation exposure, and psychological fatigue. This experiment is crucial for China's goal of landing astronauts on the Moon by 2030. The crew will conduct scientific projects in life sciences, materials, fluid physics, and medicine. China also plans to test its new Mengzhou spacecraft in 2026 and build the International Lunar Research Station by 2035.
Le TempsChina launches year-long orbital mission with lunar ambitions
China successfully launched the Shenzhou-23 mission to the Tiangong space station on May 24, 2026, carrying three astronauts including the first Hong Kong astronaut, Lai Ka-ying. The crew docked with the station in under four hours. One crew member is expected to stay for a full year, marking China's longest orbital mission. The China Manned Space Engineering Office stated the mission supports Beijing's goal of landing two astronauts on the Moon before 2030, testing long-duration spaceflight and technologies for future lunar missions. Officials emphasized China is not competing with other countries in space.
RT - Daily newsChina launches Shenzhou-23 crewed mission with Hong Kong astronaut, aims for Moon by 2030
China successfully launched the Shenzhou-23 spacecraft on May 24, 2026, from the Jiuquan launch center, docking with the Tiangong space station after 3.5 hours. The mission includes Hong Kong's first astronaut, 43-year-old former police superintendent Li Jiaying (Lai Ka-ying), alongside space engineer Zhu Yangzhu and former pilot Zhang Zhiyuan. A key experiment involves one crew member spending a full year in orbit to study long-duration microgravity effects, supporting China's goal to land astronauts on the Moon by 2030. The mission also tests equipment for future lunar missions, including the new Mengzhou spacecraft. China plans to welcome its first foreign astronaut from Pakistan to Tiangong by year-end. The country has invested billions in its space program since being excluded from the ISS in 2011.
Hong Kong Free Press HKFPShenzhou-23 Crew Arrives at Tiangong as China Maps Path to 2030 Lunar Landing
Three Chinese astronauts aboard Shenzhou-23 docked with the Tiangong space station on May 24, 2026, with one crewmember expected to complete a continuous year in orbit, a first for Chinese human spaceflight. The crew includes commander Zhu Yangzhu, Zhang Zhiyuan, and Lai Ka-ying, the first astronaut from Hong Kong. The mission involves experiments in life sciences, medicine, and technology, including perovskite solar cell testing. China also outlined plans for a crewed lunar landing before 2030, with the Long March 10 rocket and Mengzhou spacecraft undergoing validation flights. The Chang'e-7 lunar mission is scheduled for launch in the second half of 2026. The article also notes a prior debris damage incident that led to emergency crew rotations and spacecraft modifications.
SpaceNewsChinese Astronauts Arrive at Tiangong Space Station; One to Stay for Record Year
Three Chinese taikonauts aboard the Shenzhou-23 spacecraft successfully docked with the Tiangong space station on May 24, 2026, after a three-and-a-half-hour flight from the Jiuquan Cosmodrome. The mission marks a milestone as one of the three astronauts will remain on the station for a full year for the first time, a key step toward China's goal of landing humans on the moon by 2030. The crew includes commander Zhu Yangzhu, a Shenzhou-16 veteran; Zhang Zhiyuan; and Lai Ka-ying, the first astronaut from Hong Kong, formerly a police officer. The launch was declared a complete success by Chinese space authorities. The mission involves scientific experiments, spacewalks, and cargo operations. China's space program, under President Xi Jinping, is racing against the U.S., which plans a manned lunar landing by 2028.
Aktuell - FAZ.NETChina launches Shenzhou 23 spacecraft with one astronaut set for yearlong stay
China launched the Shenzhou 23 spacecraft from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on Sunday night, carrying three astronauts to the Tiangong space station. The crew includes commander Zhu Yangzhu, Zhang Zhiyuan, and Lai Ka-ying (also identified as Li Jiaying), the first astronaut from Hong Kong. One of the astronauts is scheduled to remain on the station for a year to study human adaptability in long-duration spaceflight, which would be among the longest single stays in space. The crew will conduct dozens of science projects and perform an in-orbit rotation with the Shenzhou 21 crew, who have been at the station for over 200 days. The launch comes as China prepares for its first crewed lunar landing by 2030, amid growing space rivalry with the United States, which aims for a lunar landing in 2028. China developed its own space station after being excluded from the ISS due to U.S. national security concerns.
https://www.manilatimes.netChina launches historic Shenzhou-23 space mission featuring first-ever Hong Kong astronaut
China successfully launched the Shenzhou-23 crewed spacecraft from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre on May 24, 2026, marking a historic milestone in its space program. The mission is commanded by astronaut Zhu Yangzhu, joined by Zhang Zhiyuan and Li Jiaying. Notably, one crew member hails from Hong Kong, the first time an individual from the semi-autonomous region has participated in a Chinese crewed spaceflight. A primary objective is a year-long orbital stay experiment to study the physical and psychological effects of prolonged space travel, critical for future deep-space and lunar missions. The crew will conduct advanced scientific experiments aboard the Tiangong space station, including China's first space-based human body research initiative. The current Tiangong crew, after over 200 days in orbit, is preparing to hand over operations and return to Earth.
AzerNews - News from Azerbaijan, Business, Energy, AnalysisChina launches year-long space mission as it eyes 2030 moon landing
China launched the Shenzhou-23 mission on May 24, 2026, sending three astronauts to the Tiangong space station, including the first astronaut from Hong Kong, former police inspector Li Jiaying. One crew member will stay for a record one-year mission to study long-duration human physiology in space, supporting China's goal of a crewed moon landing by 2030. The launch from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center used a Long March-2F rocket. The mission comes amid an accelerating space race with the US, which aims for a crewed moon landing by 2028. China is developing new hardware including the Long March-10 rocket, Mengzhou spacecraft, and Lanyue lunar lander, with a longer-term goal of establishing a permanent lunar base by 2035 with Russia.
DAILYSABAHChina launches Shenzhou 23 with three astronauts, including one for yearlong stay
China launched the Shenzhou 23 spacecraft from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on Sunday night, carrying three astronauts to the Tiangong space station. The crew includes commander Zhu Yangzhu, Zhang Zhiyuan, and Lai Ka-ying (also identified as Li Jiaying), who is the first astronaut from Hong Kong on a space mission. One of the astronauts is scheduled to remain in orbit for a year to study human adaptability and performance limits in long-duration spaceflight. The mission will conduct dozens of science projects and perform an in-orbit rotation with the Shenzhou 21 crew, who have been at the station for over 200 days. The launch comes as China advances its space program, aiming for a crewed lunar landing by 2030, amid competition with the U.S., which plans a lunar landing in 2028.
The Washington Times stories: CultureChina Launches Longest Manned Space Mission to Tiangong Station
China successfully launched a new space mission on Sunday, sending three astronauts to the Tiangong space station. This mission marks the country's longest manned spaceflight to date, with one astronaut expected to remain in orbit for up to a year. The primary objective is to study the effects of prolonged space habitation on the human body. The crew includes astronauts Li Jiaying, Zhang Yuanzhi, and Zhu Yangzhu. The launch is part of China's broader space ambitions, which include a planned manned lunar landing by 2030.
derStandard.at | Nachrichten, Kommentare & CommunityChina Launches Shenzhou-23 Mission; Astronaut to Spend Full Year in Orbit for Moon Prep
China launched the Shenzhou-23 mission on Sunday from the Jiuquan launch center, carrying three astronauts to the Tiangong space station. For the first time, one crew member will remain in orbit for a full year to study the effects of long-duration microgravity, including bone density loss, muscle wasting, and psychological fatigue. The mission also marks the first spaceflight by an astronaut from Hong Kong, 43-year-old Li Jiaying (Lai Ka-ying), a former police officer. The year-long experiment is a key step toward China's goal of landing astronauts on the Moon by 2030 and future Mars missions. China is also testing its new Mengzhou spacecraft for lunar flights and plans to welcome its first foreign astronaut from Pakistan to Tiangong by year's end. The country has invested billions in its space program, developing its own station after being excluded from the ISS since 2011.
France 24 - International breaking news, top stories and headlinesChina to Launch Shenzhou-23 Mission with First Year-Long Orbital Stay
China is preparing to launch the Shenzhou-23 mission on Sunday, May 24, 2026, from the Jiuquan launch center in the Gobi Desert. The mission will send three astronauts to the Tiangong space station, including the first astronaut from Hong Kong, Li Jiaying. For the first time, one Chinese astronaut will spend an entire year in orbit to study the effects of prolonged microgravity, including bone density loss, muscle atrophy, and radiation exposure. This experiment is a crucial step toward China's goal of sending humans to the Moon by 2030. The crew will conduct scientific research in life sciences, materials science, fluid physics, and medicine. China also plans to welcome its first foreign astronaut, a Pakistani, to Tiangong by the end of 2026, and is testing the new Mengzhou spacecraft for future lunar missions.
Digi24China Reveals Shenzhou 23 Crew Including Hong Kong's First Astronaut
China has announced the three-person crew for the Shenzhou 23 mission, scheduled to launch on May 24, 2026, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. The crew includes commander Zhu Yangzhu (a Shenzhou 16 veteran), pilot Zhang Zhiyuan, and payload specialist Lai Ka-ying, who will become Hong Kong's first astronaut. Lai previously served in the Hong Kong Police Force before being selected as an astronaut candidate in 2024. The mission will dock with China's Tiangong space station. Additionally, one unnamed crew member is expected to achieve China's first continuous year in orbit, with the pilot and payload specialist capable of performing each other's roles to facilitate the extended stay.
Latest from Space.comChina launches 3 astronauts, including 1st ever from Hong Kong, to Tiangong space station
China launched the Shenzhou 23 mission on May 24, 2026, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, sending three astronauts to the Tiangong space station. The crew includes commander Zhu Yangzhu, pilot Zhang Zhiyuan, and payload specialist Lai Ka-ying, who is the first astronaut from Hong Kong to reach space. The mission will relieve the Shenzhou 21 crew, who have been in orbit a month longer than planned. Notably, one of the three astronauts will remain in orbit for a full year, marking China's first year-long human spaceflight. This extended stay is necessitated by the upcoming Shenzhou 24 mission, which will carry a Pakistani astronaut for a short visit, requiring one Shenzhou 23 astronaut to stay behind to maintain crew presence.
Latest from Space.comHong Kong Police Superintendent to Become First Hong Kong Astronaut on China's Shenzhou-23 Mission
China is set to launch the Shenzhou-23 mission on Sunday from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, carrying a three-person crew to the Tiangong space station. For the first time, a Hong Kong astronaut will join a Chinese space mission: Lai Ka-ying, a police superintendent with a doctorate in computer science, will serve as Hong Kong's first astronaut. The crew also includes commander Zhu Yangzhu, a Shenzhou-16 veteran, and Zhang Zhiyuan. The mission aims to continue space science experiments, conduct extravehicular activities, and cargo transfers. One astronaut will undertake a year-long in-orbit residency experiment, a key step toward China's goal of a crewed lunar mission by 2030. China's space program, boosted by billions in state investment, has already landed rovers on Mars and the Moon.
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