Jakarta, ThedailyID — China plans to send astronauts to stay for one year aboard its space station as the country continues expanding its long-term space exploration program.
According to reports, Chinese authorities are preparing future missions that would allow astronauts to remain in orbit for significantly longer periods compared to previous expeditions aboard the Tiangong Space Station.
The plan marks another major step in China’s efforts to strengthen its position in global space technology and scientific research.
Currently, most Chinese astronaut missions aboard Tiangong last around six months. However, the new plan aims to double the duration to study the long-term effects of space travel on the human body and improve operational capabilities for future deep-space missions.
Chinese space agencies said longer missions could help support future ambitions involving lunar exploration and possible crewed missions beyond Earth orbit.
The Tiangong Space Station officially became fully operational in 2022 and has since hosted multiple astronaut crews conducting scientific experiments, maintenance work, and technology testing.
Meanwhile, China continues increasing investments in its national space program amid growing competition with the United States and other major space powers.
Analysts said the one-year mission would demonstrate China’s increasing confidence in sustaining long-duration human presence in space while advancing research in medicine, engineering, and space habitation.
The development also reflects Beijing’s broader ambition to become one of the world’s leading space powers over the coming decades.
