China to launch new-generation crewed spaceship Mengzhou-1 in 2026

China will debut its next-generation crewed spaceship, Mengzhou-1, in 2026, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) announced. Developed as an upgrade of the Shenzhou series, Mengzhou-1 features a modular design with a return capsule and service module, providing transport to the Chinese space station.

The maiden flight will launch atop a Long March-10A rocket from Wenchang Space Launch Site in Hainan and dock with the station’s radial port. The mission will test spaceship systems and deliver instruments, supplies, and experimental devices.

China will also launch Shenzhou-22 and Shenzhou-23, each carrying three astronauts, with Shenzhou-22 including a year-long orbital residency experiment. Both missions will conduct spacewalks, payload transfers, science experiments, and educational outreach.

Additionally, the Tianzhou-10 cargo spacecraft will launch in 2026 to deliver supplies, propellant, and experiment materials, and safely dispose of station waste.