China launches new spacecraft aiming for year-long orbital mission

China launched the Shenzhou-23 crewed spacecraft on Sunday evening, marking a new step in its space program. The mission aims to extend the stay of an astronaut to one year, up from the previous six-month duration.

The move comes amid growing technological competition in space between China and the United States. Both nations are expanding their presence in low Earth orbit and pursuing lunar exploration and more distant planetary missions.

China has already completed assembly of its Tiangong space station and operates it continuously with rotating crews. The year-long mission will help Beijing gain experience in long-duration space operations, a critical step for future interplanetary missions.