BEIJING: Chinese astronaut Yang Liwei announced that China’s next-generation crewed spacecraft, capable of carrying up to seven astronauts, is expected to make its maiden voyage between 2027 and 2028. The launch will mark a significant milestone in China’s intensified participation in the global space race.
China’s crewed space program commenced in 2003 with Yang Liwei becoming the country’s first man in space aboard the Shenzhou-5 capsule. Now, the development of the next-generation spacecraft is poised to enable lunar missions, space station construction, and deep-space exploration.
Yang, currently serving as the deputy chief designer of China’s manned spaceflight project, revealed that recent tests on the return capsule of the new spacecraft have been successful. The two-part design, comprising a propulsion module and a return module, will allow for larger modules and an increased capacity of up to seven people.
China Focusses on Landing Astronauts on Moon
China’s focus has shifted to landing astronauts on the moon by 2030 after the successful launch of its space station last year. Engineers have been actively disclosing details of the ambitious project, including carrier rockets, spacecraft designs, and mission plans.
The current Shenzhou spacecraft, based on Russia’s Soyuz, can transport up to three astronauts to low-Earth orbit. In contrast, the new-generation spacecraft’s streamlined design and improved heat resistance will facilitate greater reusability and enhance its capacity for future missions.
China’s advancements in crewed space exploration highlight its determination to become a major player in space technology and contribute to humanity’s understanding of the universe. The upcoming launch of the next-generation spacecraft will mark a significant step forward for China’s space program and its pursuit of ambitious space exploration goals.
