China will conduct a series of intensive space missions in 2026, including the Tianwen-2 probe’s close approach and observation of its target asteroid, an official said.
According to Liu Yunfeng, deputy director of the system engineering department of the China National Space Administration (CNSA), the country will also carry out crewed missions such as Shenzhou-23, conduct flight verification tests of multiple reusable rockets, and promote high-quality development in the commercial space sector. He made the remarks at a press conference ahead of the upcoming Space Day of China.
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Reviewing recent progress, Liu said China made steady advances in space exploration in 2025, completing 92 space launch missions, a 35 percent increase compared to 2024.
The Tianwen-2 probe has been successfully launched and entered transfer orbit toward asteroid 2016 HO3, marking China’s first asteroid exploration and sample-return mission. Meanwhile, the Tianwen-1 Mars mission has continued global and regional surveys, with 3.5 terabytes of scientific data made available to researchers worldwide.
In human spaceflight, China completed four launch missions and two return missions, including its first emergency launch. Preparations for the crewed lunar exploration programme are also progressing steadily.
The BeiDou Navigation Satellite System has been further expanded for widespread use across industries and consumer applications. The Ziyuan-3 04 satellite has enhanced Earth observation capabilities, while China’s satellite internet system is rapidly advancing with large-scale production for constellation deployment.
In launch vehicle development, the Long March-2D achieved 100 consecutive successful launches, becoming the second Chinese rocket type to reach this milestone. The Zhuque-3 and Long March-12A reusable rockets also completed maiden flight tests.
Liu said the 11th Space Day of China will be held around April 24 in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, featuring exhibitions, forums, and cultural events. The China Space Conference will run from April 23 to 25, along with a space technology exhibition from April 24 to May 5.
Space Day of China was established in 2016 to mark the launch of the country’s first satellite, Dongfanghong-1, on April 24, 1970.