China is set to undertake a series of intensive space missions in 2026, as announced by Liu Yunfeng, deputy director of the China National Space Administration (CNSA), on April 18. Key missions will include the close approach of the Tianwen-2 probe and its observation of asteroid 2016HO3, alongside crewed missions such as Shenzhou-23. The country will also conduct flight tests for multiple reusable rockets and focus on enhancing the commercial space sector's development.

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In reflection of the past year, Liu noted that China executed 92 space launch missions in 2025, marking a 35 percent increase from 2024. The successful launch of the Tianwen-2 probe marks the beginning of China’s first exploration and sample-return mission to an asteroid. Meanwhile, the Tianwen-1 mission continues to gather significant data from Mars, with 3.5 terabytes now available to global researchers.

In crewed space endeavors, China completed four launch missions and two return missions, including its first emergency launch. Preparations for lunar exploration remain on track. The BeiDou Navigation Satellite System has seen broader application across key industries and public sectors, while the launch of the Ziyuan-3 04 satellite has improved China’s Earth observation capabilities.

The Long March-2D carrier rocket recently celebrated its 100th consecutive successful launch, becoming the second Chinese vehicle to achieve this milestone. The Zhuque-3 and Long March-12A rockets also successfully completed their initial flight tests.

As part of the upcoming 11th Space Day of China, scheduled for April 24 in Chengdu, various events are planned, including a main ceremony, science exhibitions, and cultural forums. The China Space Conference will take place from April 23 to 25, featuring a main forum and over 20 academic sessions, along with a science and technology exhibition from April 24 to May 5 that will highlight advancements in space technology and applications. Space Day in China commemorates the launch of the first satellite, "Dongfanghong-1," on April 24, 1970.