China reveals 3-person Shenzhou 23 crew, including Hong Kong's 1st astronaut
Space • • world
Key Points:
- China will launch the Shenzhou 23 mission on May 24, with a Long March 2F rocket lifting off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center to dock with the Tiangong space station.
- The crew includes commander Zhu Yangzhu, pilot Zhang Zhiyuan, and payload specialist Lai Ka-ying, with Lai becoming Hong Kong's first astronaut in space.
- One astronaut on Shenzhou 23 will undertake China's first continuous year-long stay in orbit, marking a significant milestone for the country's space program.
- The upcoming Shenzhou 24 mission will carry a Pakistani astronaut who will visit Tiangong briefly before returning to Earth aboard Shenzhou 23, replacing the year-long crew member.
- Shenzhou 23 features improved window protection following debris damage to Shenzhou 20, which previously caused an emergency crew return and prompted uncrewed lifeboat preparations.