China’s crewed space program has entered a new phase. The China National Space Administration (China National Space Administration) has announced the crew of the Shenzhou-23 mission, scheduled to launch on Sunday, May 24. The crew includes the first astronaut from Hong Kong in history.

The Long March 2F rocket carrying the Shenzhou-23 spacecraft is scheduled to lift off on May 24 at 23:08 Beijing time from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi Desert. The spacecraft is expected to dock with China’s Tiangong space station.

Crew composition

  • Zhu Yangzhu (commander) — an experienced taikonaut who previously flew on the Shenzhou-16 mission in 2023.
  • Zhang Zhiyuan (pilot) — a rookie astronaut from the third selection group.
  • Lai Ka-yin (payload specialist) — also a newcomer from the fourth group. She will become the first astronaut from Hong Kong in history.

Before joining China’s astronaut corps in 2024, Lai Ka-yin worked in the Hong Kong police force.

One-year mission and new records

One of the key highlights of Shenzhou-23 will be the first continuous one-year human spaceflight in China’s crewed space program.

One of the crew members will remain in orbit for 12 months. While the official identity has not been disclosed, CNSA representatives noted that the pilot and payload specialist roles are interchangeable, suggesting it will likely be one of the two newcomers.

This year-long stay is intended as preparation for the Shenzhou-24 mission, which is planned for six months later. That mission is expected to bring the first astronaut from Pakistan to the Tiangong space station for a short visit before returning to Earth aboard Shenzhou-23, freeing up a seat for the long-duration crew member.

Technical upgrades and safety

Following an incident involving Shenzhou-20, in which a spacecraft window was damaged by a suspected collision with space debris, engineers have strengthened the protective shielding of Shenzhou-23’s windows.

On May 11, the cargo spacecraft Tianzhou-10 successfully docked with the station, delivering about 7 tons of supplies and fuel.

Crew rotation schedule

Shortly after docking, the new crew will meet the Shenzhou-21 taikonauts — Zhang Lu, Wu Fei, and Zhang Hongzhang — who have already spent seven months in orbit.

They are scheduled to return to Earth on May 29, handing over control of the station to the Shenzhou-23 crew.

In brief

China has announced the crew of the Shenzhou-23 mission, set to launch on May 24. The team includes the first astronaut from Hong Kong, Lai Ka-yin. One crew member will complete a full year in orbit, marking a first in China’s human spaceflight history. The mission also lays the groundwork for a future visit by a Pakistani astronaut as part of Shenzhou-24, further expanding international participation aboard the Tiangong space station.