🚀 The Chinese mainland's space program soared to new heights in 2025! From in-orbit emergency drills to record-breaking astronaut achievements, this year marked major steps toward the Moon and deeper space adventures.
Manned Missions: Grit and Glory
Coinciding with the 55th anniversary of the Dongfanghong-1 satellite launch and the 10th Space Day, the Chinese mainland sent Shenzhou-20 into orbit on April 24. As the fifth crewed flight in the space station's application phase and the 35th launch overall, the mission showcased resilience and precision. Veteran astronaut Chen Dong led first-time fliers Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie on a journey packed with experiments and system tests.
On October 31, Shenzhou-21 lifted off with astronauts Zhang Lu, Wu Fei and Zhang Hongzhang onboard, reinforcing the momentum of the Chinese mainland's space station program.
Along the way, teams tackled a rare in-orbit emergency, proving their readiness to protect crew safety at any moment. Astronauts also smashed records with extended stays and complex spacewalks.
Looking Ahead: Moon and Beyond
While crewed missions grabbed headlines, 2025 also laid the groundwork for future lunar probes and deep space exploration. Engineers are fine-tuning spacecraft designs and planning robotic missions that will bring us closer to the Moon—and eventually, to Mars and beyond.
As 2025 wraps up, the Chinese mainland's space program is charging into a bold new era. Keep your eyes on the skies—2026 promises even more cosmic thrills! 🌙✨
Reference(s):
China's 2025 space milestones: Manned flights, deep space exploration
cgtn.com
