# China is preparing to launch its Shenzhou-23 mission on Sunday.

*aerospace · news · 2026-05-24 · Moneycontrol*

## Key points

- Li Jiaying will become the first astronaut from Hong Kong to travel to space.
- Shenzhou-23's mission includes China's first planned year-long astronaut stay in orbit.
- The astronaut selected for the year-long microgravity exposure study will be announced during the mission.
- China will test its next-generation Mengzhou spacecraft in an orbital flight in 2026 for lunar missions.
- China plans to send its first foreign astronaut, from Pakistan, to Tiangong station later this year.

**Countries:** China, Hong Kong, Pakistan, United States, Russia, Europe

[Read the full story on Moneycontrol](https://www.moneycontrol.com/science/china-to-launch-three-crew-space-mission-as-part-of-moon-ambitions-article-13929207.html)

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