Chinese astronaut to spend a full year in space
25 May 2026
China has launched its Shenzhou-23 mission, a major step in its plan to send humans to the Moon by 2030.
The Long March 2-F rocket lifted off from the Jiuquan launch center in northwestern China on Sunday, carrying three astronauts to the Tiangong space station.
This mission is especially significant as it marks the first time an astronaut from Hong Kong will go into space.
Mission aims to study long-term microgravity effects on human health
Crew details
The Shenzhou-23 mission crew includes Lai Ka-ying, a former Hong Kong police officer; Zhu Yangzhu, a space engineer; and Zhang Zhiyuan, an ex-air force pilot.
They will conduct scientific experiments in life sciences, materials science, fluid physics and medicine during their stay at the Tiangong space station.
A major part of the mission involves one crew member staying in space for a year to examine how prolonged microgravity affects the human body ahead of planned lunar and Mars expeditions.
Expert explains challenges of long-duration space missions
Mission hurdles
Astrophysicist Richard de Grijs has highlighted the potential challenges of long-term space missions.
These include bone density loss, muscle wasting, radiation exposure, sleep disturbances, and psychological fatigue.
He also stressed the importance of reliable water and air recycling systems as well as managing medical emergencies far from Earth.
De Grijs said that China is gaining operational experience for sustained occupation of its Tiangong space station through year-long missions like Shenzhou-23.
China's Moon mission and Mengzhou spacecraft
Lunar ambitions
The Shenzhou-23 mission is part of China's plan to land astronauts on the Moon before 2030, competing with NASA's Artemis program.
China is also testing equipment for this goal, with an orbital test flight of its new Mengzhou spacecraft scheduled for later this year.
The Mengzhou craft will replace the aging Shenzhou line and transport China's astronauts to the Moon.
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