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China launches three-crew space flight as part of lunar ambitions

The Guardian UK Sunday 24 May 2026, 15:10 UTC By Agence France-Presse in Beijing 1 min read

Key Points

China has successfully launched its Shenzhou-23 mission, which carries three astronauts to the Tiangong space station. This mission marks a significant step towards Beijing's goal of landing humans on the Moon by 2030. Notably, one of the astronauts will spend a full year in orbit during this flight.

Mission will put first astronaut in orbit for a year, a key step in Beijing’s plan to put people on the moon by 2030

China has launched its Shenzhou-23 mission in which an astronaut will spend a full year in orbit for the first time, a crucial step in Beijing’s ambition to send humans to the moon by 2030.

The Long March 2-F rocket lifted off from the Jiuquan launch centre in north-western China on Sunday, carrying three astronauts to the Tiangong space station.

Originally published by The Guardian UK Read original →

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China launches three-crew space flight as part of lunar ambitions

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