Hong Kong, Macau astronauts set for possible debut flight this year

Astronauts from Hong Kong and Macau could take part in missions at China’s space station as early as this year, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) announced, as it outlined plans for two crewed spaceflights and one cargo resupply mission in 2026.

Authorities said the Hong Kong and Macau astronauts are expected to participate in missions to the country’s orbiting space station at the earliest opportunity this year.

The CMSA also revealed that of the missions planned, one astronaut from the Shenzhou-23 crew will undertake a one-year in-orbit residency experiment, marking a significant step in advancing long-duration human spaceflight capability.

In a statement, the agency said it will fully implement the objectives set out in the national 15th Five-Year Plan, deepening efforts in both space station applications and development, as well as crewed lunar exploration.

The agency said the space station is currently operating stably in orbit and delivering positive results. Meanwhile, research and construction work for the lunar exploration program have progressed smoothly, with several phased breakthroughs achieved in the mission’s landing stage.

The CMSA said it will push ahead with supporting infrastructure at the Wenchang Space Launch Site for future lunar missions, alongside the development of ground support systems including telemetry, tracking and control communications, as well as landing sites.

The agency reiterated its goal of realizing China’s first crewed lunar landing before 2030.