SAR astronauts prepare for landmark 2026 space mission

SAR astronauts prepare for landmark 2026 space mission
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Apr 24, 2025

Chinese astronauts representing the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions are on track to make their inaugural spaceflight as early as 2026, according to an announcement from the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).

At a press conference held at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, Lin Xiqiang, CMSA's deputy director, provided the first official confirmation of the anticipated mission timeline. He noted that the two astronauts, who arrived at the Astronaut Center of China in Beijing last August, have integrated smoothly into the training environment and are making steady progress.

"They have been getting along well with other astronauts and training diligently and hard," Lin said. "They are learning knowledge and skills to be used in space missions. As science payload specialists, one of them will take part in their first mission as early as 2026."

These astronauts were selected as part of China's fourth cohort of astronauts, a group that began formation in October 2022 and was finalized by June 2023. The class includes ten individuals: eight spacecraft pilots and two science payload specialists. Significantly, the two payload specialists hail from Hong Kong and Macao, marking a historic first for the inclusion of candidates from these regions in China's astronaut corps.

Training in Beijing since their selection, the group has undergone rigorous instruction, including academic lectures on space operations, resilience training, and customized physical conditioning. The Hong Kong and Macao astronauts have also received specialized coursework covering the legacy of China's space program and Mandarin language development, enhancing their preparedness for future missions.

Lin also shared updates on China's growing international partnerships in human spaceflight. He confirmed that Pakistan is currently selecting two astronauts for training in China. One of these astronauts is expected to serve aboard the Tiangong space station as a science payload specialist. This initiative stems from a bilateral agreement signed in February between CMSA and the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission, focused on collaboration in astronaut selection, training, and mission participation.

According to Lin, other nations have also expressed interest in sending astronauts to the Tiangong station, and discussions around such cooperative missions are actively underway.