tech
China launches Shenzhou 23 spacecraft carrying 3 astronauts, including 1 set to remain in space for a year
China successfully launched another spacecraft Sunday that is set to carry three astronauts to its space station. One crew member aboard the Shenzhou 23 is expected to remain in space for one year, which would be among the world's longest single stays in space.
TL;DR
- China launched the Shenzhou 23 spacecraft with three astronauts bound for its space station.
- One astronaut is expected to stay for a year, potentially one of the longest single durations in space.
- The launch took place at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.
- The mission includes commander Zhu Yangzhu, Zhang Zhiyuan, and Lai Ka-ying (also known as Li Jiaying).
- Lai Ka-ying, from Hong Kong, is the first astronaut from the city and the fourth Chinese female astronaut in space.
- The crew will perform science projects and a crew rotation with the Shenzhou 21 mission.
- China aims for its first crewed lunar landing by 2030.
- The Tiangong space station was developed after China's exclusion from the International Space Station.
- Previous Shenzhou missions experienced delays and issues with damaged spacecraft.
- The U.S. is a key space rival, with NASA targeting a lunar landing in 2028.