China Launches Shenzhou 23 Spacecraft with 1 of 3 Astronauts Set for Yearlong Stay

JIUQUAN, China, May 24, 2026 (AP) — China launched the Shenzhou 23 spacecraft Sunday night with three astronauts heading to its space station, including one set to stay in space for a year.

The spacecraft blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China. The much-anticipated launch comes as China prepares for its first crewed lunar landing by 2030.

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