CNSA’s 2026 missions will expand China’s presence in space and provide critical scientific data for lunar and asteroid studies, satellite technology and human spaceflight. The China National Space Administration has released a full calendar of key launches and missions scheduled for 2026.
CNSA 2026 – Moon, Mars and Satellite Mission Update
| UPCOMING MISSION | WHEN (Month) | TO WHERE | BRIEF DESCRIPTION |
| Chang’e‑7 Lunar Mission | August 2026 | Moon | Robotic mission to lunar south pole with orbiter, lander, rover and hopping probe. |
| Tianwen‑2 Asteroid Sample Mission | July 2026 | Near-Earth Asteroid 2016 HO3 | Sample return mission studying asteroid composition for Solar System origins research. |
| Shenzhou‑23 / Shenzhou‑24 Crewed Flights | Throughout 2026 | Tiangong Space Station | Long-duration crewed rotations to continue experiments and test space station modules. |
| Mengzhou‑1 Uncrewed Test Flight | Around June–July 2026 | Low Earth Orbit | Test of next-generation crewed spacecraft for future lunar missions. |
| Xuntian Space Telescope (CSST) | Around December 2026 | Near Tiangong Space Station | Large sky-survey telescope for deep-space and astronomical observations. |
The Chang’e‑7 robotic mission will target the Moon’s south pole, a region rich in water ice and unique geological features. It will carry an orbiter for mapping, a lander to explore the surface, a rover for mobility and a mini-hopping probe to traverse difficult terrain.
This mission will provide crucial data for China’s long-term lunar exploration including preparation for the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS).
July 2026: Tianwen‑2 Asteroid Sample Mission
The Tianwen‑2 probe is scheduled to reach asteroid 2016 HO3 (Kamoʻoalewa) in July 2026 to collect samples and study asteroid composition. It represents China’s first asteroid sample return attempt, offering insights into early Solar System materials and planetary formation.
Throughout 2026: Shenzhou‑23 / Shenzhou‑24 Crewed Flights
CNSA will continue human spaceflight operations on the Tiangong space station with Shenzhou‑23 and Shenzhou‑24 missions. These flights will rotate crew members, conduct long-duration experiments, and test life-support systems for future missions beyond low Earth orbit.
Around June–July 2026: Mengzhou‑1 Uncrewed Test Flight
The Mengzhou‑1 spacecraft will undergo its first uncrewed test mission in mid-2026. This spacecraft is designed to eventually replace Shenzhou for crewed lunar missions, including future landings.
Around December 2026: Xuntian Space Telescope
China plans to launch the Xuntian space telescope (CSST) in late 2026. Once in orbit, it will operate near the Tiangong space station, enabling potential servicing and upgrades by astronauts.
Xuntian’s 2-meter primary mirror and extremely wide field of view will allow it to conduct large-scale sky surveys, study galaxies, search for exoplanets and map cosmic structures, making it one of the most ambitious Chinese space science projects to date.
Why 2026 Is Crucial for China’s Space Programme?
The year 2026 will mark a milestone for CNSA, combining robotic exploration, asteroid studies, crewed spaceflight, satellite technology and cutting-edge astronomy with Xuntian. China will further develop lunar and deep-space capabilities, advance Earth observation and continue preparing for ambitious human lunar missions in the coming decade.
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