Shenzhou-23 Crew Marks One Month in Orbit, Continues Science Experiments
Summary: On June 28, the Tiangong TV update showed the Shenzhou-23 crew of Zhu Yangzhu, Zhang Zhiyuan, and Li Jiaying completed their first month in orbit, installing new experiments and reactivating a robotic assistant, with the mission featuring a one-year in-orbit stay experiment.
On May 24, 2026, at 23:08 Beijing time, a Long March 2F-Y23 rocket lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, delivering the Shenzhou-23 crewed spacecraft into its预定 orbit approximately ten minutes later. The crew consists of Commander Zhu Yangzhu and astronauts Zhang Zhiyuan and Li Jiaying, who had already completed an in-orbit handover with the Shenzhou-21 crew.
On June 28, the China Manned Space Agency released Tiangong TV Season 11, Episode 3, confirming the three astronauts had completed their first full month in orbit. According to CCTV, the crew is steadily advancing scientific experiments and health management activities, having installed new experimental equipment and reactivated a robotic assistant. On the personal side, the astronauts enjoyed roasted pumpkin in space and have been experiencing various new aspects of their orbital stay.
During this mission, the crew plans to carry out over 100 new scientific and applied research projects, including China first dedicated in-space human research program. A key highlight is that one crew member will undertake a one-year in-orbit stay experiment, a significant milestone in validating the long-term human habitation capabilities of the Chinese Space Station.