China’s Next-Generation Crewed Spacecraft May Be Launched in 2027

China's next-generation crewed spacecraft, which can transport up to seven astronauts, may fly for the first time between 2027 and 2028.

China’s Next-Generation Crewed Spacecraft May Be Launched in 2027. Photo: tasnimnews.com

China's manned space flights began in 2003 when former fighter pilot, Yang Liwei, was sent into orbit in a small bronze-colored capsule, the Shenzhou-5, becoming China's first man in space.

The next-generation spacecraft was first tested in 2020.

Since China's space station became operational late last year, the focus has returned to a project to send astronauts to the moon by 2030, with engineers recently disclosing more details of the plan - from the type of carrier rockets to be used to the spacecraft transporting astronauts and other equipment.

China's current Shenzhou spacecraft, based on Russia's Soyuz, can transport up to three astronauts to low-Earth orbit.

It consists of a life-support and propulsion module, an in-orbit module for short-term human habitation, and a re-entry capsule for their return to earth.

The new generation of crewed spacecraft will comprise just two parts - the propulsion and the return modules - to allow for bigger modules and larger carrying capacity of up to seven people.

The return module's high heat resistance also allows much of it to be re-used. (Tasnim News Agency)

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