Shenzhou-23 Mission Entering Final Preparations as Jiuquan Launch Site Ramps Up
Summary: The Shenzhou-23 crewed spaceship launch mission has entered its critical phase at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Launch Center. All major ground testing including rocket launch control equipment inspections, spacecraft fueling drills, and emergency rescue exercises have been completed. According to mission plans, both Shenzhou-23 and Shenzhou-24 will launch from Jiuquan in 2026, with Shenzhou-22 and Shenzhou-23 returning to the Dongfeng landing area.
Inside the Jiuquan launch control hall where equipment indicator lights flash and parameters update in real time (file photo)
Launch Site Preparations Complete
On April 24, 2026 — China's 11th Space Day — scientists and engineers at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center celebrated their special holiday by advancing preparations for Shenzhou-23 and other missions in an orderly manner.
In the launch control hall, various equipment indicator lights flashed alternately, and dense parameters refreshed in real time on screens. The rocket system commander stared intently at each set of data, fingers pressing the operation panels and issuing precise commands.
The Shenzhou-23 mission is currently in a critical phase. According to mission plans, China will launch Shenzhou-23 and Shenzhou-24 from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in 2026, with Shenzhou-22 and Shenzhou-23 returning to the Dongfeng landing area in sequence.
Shenzhou-21 Crew Extended Stay
Notably, the Shenzhou-21 crew was originally scheduled to return to Earth in late April. However, after completing their third extravehicular activity (EVA), and based on the space station's adequate material reserves and the crew's good health conditions, a comprehensive evaluation decided to extend the crew's orbital stay by approximately one month. This means Shenzhou-23's launch window will shift from late April to late May to early June.
The 2026 plan includes two crewed flight missions and one cargo supply mission. Shenzhou-23 and Shenzhou-24 will launch from Jiuquan in sequence, and Tianzhou-10 is also on the annual mission list.
Sources (original pages)
- Jiuquan Launch Site Fully Prepared for Shenzhou-23 and Other Missions
- Shenzhou-23 Launch Preparations Underway
- Shenzhou-23 Ready for Liftoff: Crew Schedule Adjusted, Shenzhou-24 Rocket Already in Position
- Shenzhou-23 Launch Preparations: 3-Person Crew May Change, Shenzhou-24 Rocket Already at Launch Site