China will launch its next crewed space mission on Sunday, marking the first time an astronaut from Hong Kong joins a Chinese flight. The three-person team will travel aboard the Shenzhou-23 spacecraft from the Jiuquan center in the northwest to the Tiangong space station.
The station, normally staffed by rotating groups of three for six-month periods, represents a major achievement in China’s space efforts after years of substantial government funding aimed at matching capabilities of the United States and Russia.
The crew includes Lai Ka-ying, described by official media as Hong Kong’s first astronaut, along with Zhu Yangzhu and Zhang Zhiyuan. Zhu, who flew previously in 2023, will serve as commander. Hong Kong’s leader offered congratulations on the selection.
One astronaut will remain aboard for a full year to gather information on extended spaceflight and evaluate medical support systems. Officials noted that such a stay involves more than simply extending prior rotations.
The mission will focus on scientific research, spacewalks, and moving supplies. Experts say these longer stays build experience needed for future lunar landings and deeper space travel. China has stated its intention to send astronauts to the moon by 2030 and establish a surface base.
