China's Shenzhou-23 Mission Marks Milestone in Lunar Exploration
China launches three-crew space flight as part of lunar ambitions
The Guardian
Image: The Guardian
China has launched its Shenzhou-23 mission, sending three astronauts to the Tiangong space station, with one astronaut set to spend a year in orbit. This mission is a significant step toward China's goal of landing humans on the moon by 2030, amidst competition with NASA's Artemis program.
- 01Lai Ka-ying becomes the first astronaut from Hong Kong to participate in a space mission.
- 02The mission includes experiments in life sciences, materials science, fluid physics, and medicine.
- 03Richard de Grijs, an astrophysicist, highlighted the challenges of long-term space habitation, including health risks and the need for reliable life-support systems.
- 04China plans to test its Mengzhou spacecraft in 2026, which will replace the Shenzhou line for moon missions.
- 05The International Lunar Research Station is expected to be built by 2035, with plans to welcome a foreign astronaut from Pakistan by the end of this year.
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China's Shenzhou-23 mission, launched from the Jiuquan launch center in north-western China, is a pivotal step in the country's lunar ambitions. For the first time, an astronaut will spend a year in orbit, which is crucial for preparing for future lunar and Martian missions. The crew includes Lai Ka-ying, marking the first spaceflight for an astronaut from Hong Kong, alongside Zhu Yangzhu and Zhang Zhiyuan. They will conduct scientific experiments in various fields, including life sciences and fluid physics. Astrophysicist Richard de Grijs emphasized the importance of understanding the long-term effects of microgravity on the human body, such as bone density loss and muscle wasting. This mission is part of China's broader goal to land astronauts on the moon by 2030, competing with NASA's Artemis program. Additionally, China is set to test its new Mengzhou spacecraft in 2026 and aims to establish the International Lunar Research Station by 2035, further advancing its space exploration capabilities.
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The Shenzhou-23 mission enhances China's capabilities in space exploration, potentially leading to advancements in technology and international collaboration in space.
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