China is preparing to launch the Shenzhou-23 mission on Sunday, sending three astronauts to its Tiangong space station for a year-long mission, marking a record duration for the country. The launch will occur at 11:08 p.m. local time from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China. Among the crew is Li Jiaying, the first astronaut from Hong Kong to join a Chinese space mission, alongside commander Zhu Yangzhu and pilot Zhang Yuanzhi from the People's Liberation Army's astronaut division. This mission is part of China's broader ambition to achieve a crewed moon landing by 2030, competing with the U.S. which aims for a landing in 2028. The Shenzhou-23 mission will not only facilitate long-duration human physiology studies but also prepare for future lunar missions, including autonomous docking procedures and safety tests for lunar hardware. Additionally, scientists will investigate the effects of space travel on human health, including radiation exposure and psychological stress. China's lunar program also aims to establish a permanent base on the moon by 2035, in collaboration with Russia, showcasing the country's rapidly advancing space capabilities.