China successfully launched the Shenzhou-23 mission carrying three astronauts to the Tiangong space station as part of the country’s expanding space programme and preparations for future lunar exploration.The launch took place from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in the Gobi Desert aboard a Long March 2F rocket.The crew includes Zhu Yangzhu, Zhang Zhiyuan and Li Jiaying, the first astronaut from Hong Kong to travel into space.The mission will support a series of scientific experiments focused on life sciences, materials science, fluid physics and medicine.

One of the astronauts is expected to remain aboard the Tiangong station for a full year, which would mark the longest Chinese crewed mission in orbit so far.

Researchers hope to better understand the long-term effects of microgravity on the human body, including bone density loss, muscle deterioration, radiation exposure and psychological fatigue.Experts said the mission represents an important step in China’s strategy to prepare for future lunar and deep-space missions.

China aims to land astronauts on the Moon before 2030 and is developing new spacecraft technology, including the Mengzhou spacecraft, which is expected to replace the ageing Shenzhou system.

The article also notes China’s broader ambitions in space exploration, including plans for an International Lunar Research Station by 2035 and the possibility of welcoming a Pakistani astronaut to the Tiangong station later this year.

China has significantly increased investment in its space sector over recent decades, positioning itself as a major competitor to the United States and other established space powers.