China successfully launched the Shenzhou-23 mission carrying three astronauts to the Tiangong space station, marking a major milestone in its ambitious lunar and long-duration human spaceflight programme.

BulletsIn

• China launched the Shenzhou-23 crewed mission on 24 May 2026 aboard a Long March 2-F rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China.
• The spacecraft successfully docked with China’s Tiangong space station nearly 3.5 hours after liftoff, beginning a new phase of orbital scientific and operational activities.
• The mission crew includes Zhu Yangzhu, Zhang Zhiyuan and Lai Ka-ying, who became the first astronaut from Hong Kong to participate in a space mission.
• Tiangong space station will host advanced experiments in life sciences, fluid physics, medicine and material sciences under China’s rapidly expanding human spaceflight programme.
• One astronaut from the Shenzhou-23 mission is scheduled to remain aboard the Tiangong station for nearly one year to study long-duration microgravity effects on humans.
• China is preparing its next-generation Mengzhou spacecraft for orbital testing in 2026 as part of its broader plan to send astronauts to the Moon by 2030.
• The country also plans to establish the first phase of the International Lunar Research Station by 2035 to strengthen future scientific exploration and lunar cooperation initiatives.
• China announced plans to welcome its first foreign astronaut from Pakistan to the Tiangong space station before the end of 2026 under expanding international space partnerships.