China Launches Shenzhou 23 Spacecraft, Plans Year-Long Crew Stay

China launched the Shenzhou 23 spacecraft carrying three astronauts to its orbiting space station, according to reporting dated May 25, 2026. The mission includes a planned year-long stay for one crew member as part of research into human adaptability during extended spaceflight.

The flight is a key element of China’s broader space program, which officials and analysts say is aimed at significant milestones including a first crewed lunar landing targeted by 2030.

All sourcing for this report is dated May 25, 2026.