China Launches Shenzhou-23 Mission to Tiangong Space Station
On May 24, 2026, China launched the Shenzhou-23 spacecraft from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi Desert. The crew, consisting of commander Zhu Yangzhu, Zhang Zhiyuan, and Dr. Lai Ka-ying, is headed to the Tiangong space station to conduct dozens of cutting-edge scientific experiments. One of the three astronauts is scheduled to remain in orbit for a full year, aiming to set a new in-orbit stay record. This mission marks a historic milestone as Dr. Lai Ka-ying becomes the first astronaut from Hong Kong to enter space. Following their arrival, the Shenzhou-23 crew held a handover ceremony with the Shenzhou-21 crew, officially taking over operations of the space station as the previous crew prepares for their return to Earth.
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What is China’s Shenzhou-23 mission? Inside the year-long space experiment | Euronews
Over the weekend, China launched the Shenzhen-23 mission to its space station with three astronauts, including one who is set to stay in space for a year. ... The spacecraft blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in China’s northwestern Gobi Desert with three astronauts onboard: commander Zhu Yangzhu, Zhang Zhiyuan, and Lai Ka-ying. The astronauts will be conducting dozens of experiments while in space, including an in-orbit rotation with the crew of Shenzhou...
Hong Kong’s first astronaut participates in Shenzhou-23 manned spaceflight mission - USA Today
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 May 2026 – At 11.08pm on May 24, Dr Lai Ka-ying made history by becoming the first Hong Kong astronaut to blast off into space aboard the Shenzhou-23 manned spaceship.
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