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China's space programme

China's space programme
The China National Space Administration was founded more than 25 years ago and is overseeing an ambitious programme which includes deep space exploration, a manned space station, and cutting-edge advancements in technology, new materials, robotics and artificial intelligence.
A Long March-2F carrier rocket, carrying the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft and a crew of three astronauts, lifts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in the Gobi desert, in northwest China on April 24. Photo: AFP
China National Space Administration (CNSA)

Beijing extends Mars mission lead; stranded crew returns: China’s year in space

From the US-China race to bring rocks back from Mars to a ‘tit-for-tat’ orbital stand-off, here are some of the year’s most notable space stories.

Science

Second reusable rocket recovery failure in a month puts China 10 years behind US

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Donald Trump

Trump’s space plan envisages US moon base amid race with China

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China Future Tech briefing

Aerospace | Lunar race pits China against US as humans seek return to moon

China and the US are vying to put people on the moon for the first time in more than 50 years in a contest that is as much about economics and geopolitics as it is about technology.

Lunar race pits China against US as humans seek return to moon
United States

Musk ally Isaacman confirmed as Nasa chief amid moon race with China

The US billionaire with a passion for space, was nominated by Trump for a second time after a previous bid fell through.

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Aerospace: Policy

China launches satellite ‘super factory’ in bid to rival Elon Musk’s Starlink

The facility features a ‘factory-to-launch’ pipeline, expected to make it faster and cheaper to build low Earth orbit constellations.

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US-China relations

Trump’s Nasa pick vows US will beat China back to the moon

Isaacman says Washington must move quickly to stay ahead of Beijing amid intensifying rivalry in space exploration.

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Jared Isaacman, US President Donald Trump’s pick to lead Nasa, during a hearing of the Senate commerce committee on Wednesday. Photo: AP
Open Questions series

Open Questions | Ex-PLA colonel on Taiwan, the Ukraine war, China-US ties

Zhou Bo ponders Japanese PM Takaichi’s recent remarks, lessons from the Ukraine conflict and why China won’t be world’s policeman.

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Aerospace: Industry Trends

Explainer | Why China’s space sector is grabbing attention – including from Elon Musk

Chinese start-up LandSpace is set to launch its first reusable rocket on Saturday. If it succeeds, it will give China’s space sector a major boost.

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Science

China’s first emergency space launch: vessel with repair kit reaches Tiangong

Shenzhou-22’s arrival at the Tiangong station will come as a relief for the crew after another return ship was damaged by space debris.

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A Long March-2F rocket carrying the uncrewed Shenzhou-22 spacecraft takes off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in China’s northwestern Gansu province on November 25. Photo: via Reuters
International Space Station (ISS)

Editorial | US and China should cooperate to make space safe for all

Space safety is one area where Chinese, Americans and everyone else can benefit from coordination and the sharing of information and costs.

Wang Jie, a Shenzhou-20 astronaut, returns to Earth on the Shenzhou-21 spaceship’s capsule after it touched down at the Dongfeng landing site in northern China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on November 14. Photo: AP
Science

First Thai king to Beijing in 800 years greeted by Chinese astronauts in orbit

Thailand’s monarchs in exchange with orbiting crew on board Tiangong station during visit to highly restricted mission control centre in Beijing.

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Space

Stranded Chinese astronauts return home from space station mission

Astronauts return from Tiangong space station aboard new crew’s spacecraft after suspected debris strikes vessel and delays launch.

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China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation

China’s chief space contractor readies plans for tourism programme

A state-owned giant is expected to unveil a space tourism package this week, with suborbital trips priced lower than US rivals SpaceX and Blue Origin.

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The primary contractor for China’s space programme is expected to announce plans for tours this week. Photo: AP
China Future Tech briefing

Aerospace | Musk’s SpaceX faces China threat in reusable rocket race

At least nine reusable rocket projects are nearing maiden flights in China, posing a potential threat to Elon Musk-led SpaceX’s grip on the commercial satellite launch market.

Musk’s SpaceX faces China threat in reusable rocket race
US-China relations

From reusable rockets to deep-sea dives: how China closes tech gap on the West

China sees outer space and the polar regions as ‘strategic new frontiers’ vital to its future security – and is investing accordingly.

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Science

China joins space factory race with breakthrough in inflatable module technology

Those who master ‘manufacture in space will gain the initiative in future space economic development’, according to Institute of Mechanics.

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Science

China counts down to Long March-10 test flights in race back to the moon

Researchers to put rocket through its paces as country aims for 2030 crewed lunar landing.

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China’s Long March-10 carrier rocket undergoes a static test at the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site on August 15. Photo: Getty Images
Science

Chinese astronauts enjoy handover BBQ in world first on board space station

Replacement crew brings expanded food choices, including freshly baked chicken wings and steak, on latest mission.

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Science

China postpones astronauts’ return from space after suspected debris strikes

Shenzhou-20 trio delayed as authorities carry out an impact analysis and risk assessment.

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China technology

Video | China launches Shenzhou-21 with lab mice on board

The six-month mission will include experiments involving laboratory mice for the first time that will permanently live in the Tiangong space station.

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China technology

China expands frontiers in space, deep sea, poles amid fierce geopolitical race

From deep in the Arctic Ocean to outer space and cyberspace, Beijing’s focus on technological advancements is reshaping the global strategic balance.

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Members of a Chinese scientific expedition team deploy ice-based buoys in the high-latitude waters of the Arctic Ocean on August 25. Photo: Xinhua
Science

China-led moon mission’s water probe will be ‘first for humanity’: space agency

Seven international partners deliver experiments for Chang’e-7 as authorities report smooth progress towards 2026 launch.

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Space

Nasa opens US moon landing contract to rival bidders as SpaceX lags

Citing SpaceX delays, the US space agency is shifting strategy and inviting new proposals for a high-profile crewed moon mission.

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Space

Editorial | The time may be ripe for China-US space cooperation

Research from both countries has contributed to major findings on Mars. Amid US funding cuts, the time may be ripe to join forces.

Rocks found on the surface of Mars have offered encouraging evidence of ancient life forms. Photo: Nasa via Reuters
Science

China’s satellite spies on US spycraft in a ‘tit-for-tat’ orbital stand-off

Pictures mark first time Chinese operator has made public such dynamic space-based imagery in move analysts call strategic tit-for-tat.

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An image of WorldView Legion 2, a satellite operated by US-based Maxar Intelligence. Credit: Handout
Space

How China’s space station became a film frontier – and Liu Cixin’s inspiration

Documentary shot during the Shenzhou 13 mission is capturing imaginations while bridging sci-fi and reality.

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US-China relations

Nasa blocks Chinese citizens with US visas from its facilities

As race to the moon heats up, space agency spokeswoman says move is to ‘ensure the security of our work’.

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