China launched the Shenzhou-23 crewed spaceship on Sunday, marking another major mission involving the country’s human spaceflight programme. The launch took place from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China.
A Long March 2F rocket carrying the Shenzhou-23 spacecraft with astronauts Zhu Yangzhu, Zhang Zhiyuan, and Lai Ka-ying, who is the first astronaut from Hong Kong, blasts off to China’s Tiangong space station from the launchpad at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, near Jiuquan, Gansu province, China, May 24, 2026. REUTERS
The spacecraft travelled aboard a Long March-2F carrier rocket. Shortly after liftoff, the rocket carried the Shenzhou-23 spaceship into flight as the mission formally began. Meanwhile, officials and observers closely followed the launch from the ground.
Launch From Jiuquan Satellite Centre
The Shenzhou-23 mission lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, which is located in northwest China. The launch site once again hosted a crewed mission involving the Long March-2F carrier rocket.
A Long March 2F rocket carrying the Shenzhou-23 spacecraft with astronauts Zhu Yangzhu, Zhang Zhiyuan, and Lai Ka-ying, who is the first astronaut from Hong Kong, blasts off to China’s Tiangong space station from the launchpad at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, near Jiuquan, Gansu province, China, May 24, 2026. REUTERS
The spaceship sat atop the rocket before launch. Then, following the countdown, the carrier rocket blasted off and carried the spacecraft into space. In addition, the launch highlighted the continued use of the Long March-2F system for crewed space missions.
Astronauts Zhu Yangzhu, Zhang Zhiyuan, and Lai Ka-ying, who is the first astronaut from Hong Kong, wave during a see-off ceremony before taking part in the Shenzhou-23 spaceflight mission to China’s Tiangong space station, at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, near Jiuquan, Gansu province, China, May 24, 2026. REUTERS
The Shenzhou-23 crew consists of three astronauts. Zhu Yangzhu serves as the mission commander for the flight. Alongside him are astronauts Zhang Zhiyuan and Li Jiaying, who is also known as Lai Ka-ying in Cantonese.
Each astronaut has a separate role during the mission. Zhu Yangzhu is identified as a flight engineer. Zhang Zhiyuan serves as a spacecraft pilot, while Li Jiaying works as a payload specialist.
Roles Assigned During The Mission
The crew members on board the Shenzhou-23 spaceship each bring different responsibilities to the mission. The flight engineer role focuses on technical and operational duties during the mission. Meanwhile, the spacecraft pilot is responsible for piloting-related operations linked to the spacecraft.
Astronauts Zhu Yangzhu, Zhang Zhiyuan, and Lai Ka-ying, who is the first astronaut from Hong Kong, wave during a see-off ceremony before taking part in the Shenzhou-23 spaceflight mission to China’s Tiangong space station, at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, near Jiuquan, Gansu province, China, May 24, 2026. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov
At the same time, the payload specialist role centres on handling mission payload activities. Together, the three astronauts form the full Shenzhou-23 crew launched aboard the Long March-2F carrier rocket from northwest China on Sunday.
A multi-faceted professional with a diverse range of skills and experiences. He currently works as a Producer, Digital Marketer, and Journalist for several well-known media outlets, namely StratNewsGlobal, BharatShakti, and Interstellar. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, Aditya has covered a wide range of topics and events across India, bringing a unique perspective to his work.
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Aditya's dynamic personality and varied interests make him a unique individual, always eager to learn and experience new things.
A multi-faceted professional with a diverse range of skills and experiences. He currently works as a Producer, Digital Marketer, and Journalist for several well-known media outlets, namely StratNewsGlobal, BharatShakti, and Interstellar. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, Aditya has covered a wide range of topics and events across India, bringing a unique perspective to his work.When he's not busy producing content, Aditya enjoys exploring new places and cuisines, having traveled extensively throughout India. He's also an avid writer and poet, often penning his thoughts and musings in his free time. And when he wants to unwind and relax, Aditya spends time with his two loyal companions, Zorro and Pablo, his beloved dogs.Aditya's dynamic personality and varied interests make him a unique individual, always eager to learn and experience new things.
