China to send astronaut to orbit for a year for the first time
China’s manned spaceflight programme authority (CMSA) revealed its mission plans for 2026, announcing that a crew member on the Shenzhou-23 spacecraft will stay in orbit for a full year, doubling the typical six-month duration for taikonauts.
For the first time, payload specialists from Hong Kong and Macau, selected in the latest group of astronauts, will participate in the missions. In total, China plans two manned flights and one cargo resupply launch to its space station in 2026.
Simultaneously, China is advancing preparations for its first lunar landing mission targeted for 2030, conducting thorough training and risk assessments related to scientific research and mission operations.
