China launches Shenzhou spacecraft carrying 3 astronauts

China successfully launched its Shenzhou 23 spacecraft on Sunday, sending three astronauts to the Tiangong space station as the country continues to expand its space programme ahead of its planned crewed moon mission by 2030.

The spacecraft lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China. Officials later confirmed that the mission had launched successfully.

Li Benqi, an official at the launch centre, described the operation as “a complete success” in remarks released by Chinese state media.

The mission crew includes commander Zhu Yangzhu along with astronauts Zhang Zhiyuan and Lai Ka-ying, who is also referred to by Chinese authorities as Li Jiaying using the Mandarin version of her name.

Lai Ka-ying, who was born and raised in Hong Kong, is making history as the first astronaut from the city to participate in a space mission. She holds a doctorate in computer forensics and is also China’s fourth female astronaut to travel to space.

According to state media, the crew will carry out dozens of scientific experiments and application projects during the mission. They are also expected to conduct an in-orbit crew rotation with the astronauts aboard Shenzhou 21, who have spent more than 200 days at the Tiangong station.

The Shenzhou 21 mission, launched in October, included China’s youngest astronaut and also carried four mice, marking the country’s first mission involving live mammals in space.

Chinese authorities said one astronaut from the Shenzhou 23 mission is expected to remain aboard the space station for a full year to study human adaptability and physical performance during long-term space travel. If completed, it would rank among the longest single stays in space globally.