Particle.news
Download on the App Store

China Sets First Yearlong Tiangong Stay and 2026 Flight Plan as Lunar Effort Advances

Officials report successful lunar hardware tests plus Wenchang upgrades targeting a pre‑2030 crewed landing.

Overview

  • One astronaut from the Shenzhou‑23 crew will remain on Tiangong for a full year in China’s first 12‑month in‑orbit residency.
  • CMSA scheduled two crewed missions and one cargo resupply to the Chinese space station in 2026.
  • A Pakistani payload specialist is slated for a short visit to conduct experiments aboard the station, with selection progressing.
  • Payload specialists from Hong Kong and Macao selected in 2024 could fly to the station as soon as 2026, according to agency statements.
  • China cited completed tests for the Mengzhou spacecraft, Lanyue lander and Long March‑10 rocket, with 2026 efforts focused on Wenchang facilities as it pursues a first crewed Moon landing before 2030.