China unveils 2026 mission for next generation crewed spaceship
by Riko Seibo
Tokyo, Japan (SPX) Nov 02, 2025
The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) will launch the Mengzhou-1 crewed spaceship in 2026 following in depth upgrades to its predecessor, the Shenzhou mannequin. Mengzhou includes a modular design consisting of a return capsule and a service capsule and can function as the first hyperlink between Earth and the house station.
The first flight of Mengzhou-1 will make the most of the Long March-10A rocket from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in Hainan, focusing on a docking with the house station’s core module radial port. This debut mission will validate the craft’s techniques whereas transporting environmental monitoring gadgets, technical payloads, astronaut provides, and experimental gear for science and expertise demonstrations.
CMSA can even conduct two extra crewed missions, Shenzhou-22 and Shenzhou-23, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China next 12 months. Each mission is anticipated to hold three astronauts. Shenzhou-22 and Shenzhou-23 will dock with distinct ports on the house station’s core module, and one member of the Shenzhou-22 staff will take part in a long-term, year-long residency experiment.
Additional obligations for these missions embody extravehicular actions, shifting payloads by way of the cargo airlock, conducting ongoing scientific experiments, testing new applied sciences, overseeing house station operations, supporting ongoing crew wants, and collaborating in schooling outreach applications.
In 2026, the Tianzhou-10 cargo spacecraft is scheduled to launch from Wenchang, offering supply of crew provides, spacesuits, spare components, and propellant wanted for house station upkeep and security. The Tianzhou-10 can even carry extra science payloads and supplies for utilized analysis and can get rid of house station waste upon deorbit.
Related Links
China Manned Space Agency
The Chinese Space Program – News, Policy and Technology
China News from SinoDaily.com