China launches Shenzhou 23 space mission to test annual stay in orbit

China is preparing to launch an ambitious new space mission that enhances its position in the global space race, as it launches on Sunday evening the "Shenzhou 23" space mission from the Jiquan satellite launch center in the northwest of the country. The spacecraft is carrying a crew of three Chinese astronauts heading to the Tiangong space station at 23:08 local time (15:08 GMT), according to an agency spokesman. Chinese space for manned flights Zhang Jingbo. This mission represents an important strategic step in the Chinese space program, as it aims to achieve a unique scientific achievement by holding one of the astronauts in orbit for a full year. This groundbreaking experiment will provide valuable data on the impact of long-duration spaceflight on the human body and health. The core tasks of the new mission include continuing scientific research and advanced space applications, as well as to carry out activities outside the spacecraft and transfer cargo between the different units of the station, the Chinese official explained. The Tiangong space station is the crown jewel of China's government-backed and heavily invested space program, part of China's ambitious drive to keep pace with major space powers such as the United States and Russia. This mission is part of Beijing's ongoing efforts to develop its space capabilities and achieve its strategic goal sending Chinese astronauts to the moon, cementing China's position as a rising space power on the international stage.