China will launch its next-generation crewed spacecraft, Mengzhou-1, in 2026, marking a major step forward in the nation’s human spaceflight program, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).
Developed as a comprehensive upgrade to the Shenzhou series, Mengzhou-1 introduces a modular design consisting of a return capsule and a service capsule. The spacecraft is designed to transport astronauts between Earth and China’s space station, with the maiden mission scheduled to lift off from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in Hainan Province aboard a Long March-10A carrier rocket. The mission will dock with the radial port of the space station’s core module.
Technically, Mengzhou-1 represents a leap in safety, reliability, and reusability compared with its predecessor. The modular configuration enhances mission flexibility and supports longer-duration spaceflight, aligning with China’s broader ambitions for deep-space exploration and future lunar missions.
Looking ahead, the Mengzhou-1 mission will pave the way for regular crew rotation and cargo transport to the space station, while advancing China’s capability for long-term habitation and exploration beyond low Earth orbit.
The development of Mengzhou-1 signals China’s steady progress toward establishing a sustainable human presence in space, reinforcing its position as a key player in the next era of international space exploration.
