china space program
Latest about china space program
![The miniature robotic arm inside China's Tiangong space station helps astronauts with science experiments and other activities.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/NVbxfpQWTxpKbvbgWtvzVS-320-80.jpeg)
Surprise! China's space station has a 3rd, mini robotic arm. Watch it in action (video)
By Andrew Jones published
Inside the Tiangong space station's Mengtian experiment module, there's a small, dextrous arm that can assist astronauts' everyday activities, Chinese broadcaster CCTV revealed.
![a white rocket launches into a dark night sky.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RkACQPHzvngQ4GiynSGeZh-320-80.jpeg)
China launches mystery satellite on Long March 7A rocket (photo)
By Andrew Jones published
China launched what it describes as a communications technology satellite on Nov. 3. The craft is part of the TJS series, which may be a cover name for satellites for a range of different uses.
![a brownish space capsule with a red-and-white-striped parachute descends through a blue sky.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7xGB8Zf2yWxKmFAQtGwU8a-320-80.jpg)
China's Shenzhou 16 astronauts apparently landed with a ripped parachute (photo)
By Andrew Jones published
China's Shenzhou 16 astronauts landed safely on Earth this week despite an apparent hole appearing in their return capsule's parachute.
![a rocket lifts off at sunset above a plume of fire](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rPpKUNYCZn9VNHexh6MLd7-320-80.jpg)
Watch China launch pair of Earth-mapping satellites on its 50th launch of 2023 (video)
By Andrew Jones published
A Long March 6A rocket lifted off carrying two Tianhui-5 Earth-mapping satellites on Nov. 1, marking China's 50th launch of the year.
![China's Shenzhou 16 astronauts hand control of the Tiangong space station over to the Shenzhou 17 crew on Oct. 29, 2023.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/XvUiU37dDdcWaSeNnGRJAc-320-80.jpg)
China's Shenzhou 16 astronauts hand over Tiangong space station to new crew (video)
By Andrew Jones published
The departing Shenzhou 16 astronauts handed over control of the Tiangong space station to the newly arrived Shenzhou 17 crew during a short ceremony on Sunday (Oct. 29).
![a dark-brown capsule descends through a blue sky beneath a red and white striped parachute.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FcANXbGu6m6sWSJrrfyBTD-320-80.jpg)
China's Shenzhou 16 astronauts land safely after 5 months aboard Tiangong space station (video)
By Andrew Jones published
The three astronauts of China's Shenzhou 16 mission returned to Earth on Monday (Oct. 30) after a five-month stint aboard the country's Tiangong space station.
![Diagram of message-sending from Vienna to Beijing through space-ground integrated quantum network using China's Micius satellite, which launched in 2016.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/fTj4kceNR5xK48Q2Rgvu6B-320-80.jpg)
China plans to take 'hack-proof' quantum satellite technology to new heights
By Andrew Jones published
China launched the first-ever dedicated quantum communications satellite to low Earth orbit in 2016. The nation is now working to send a quantum craft to a higher altitude.
![three astronauts in white suits smile and wave to a crowd](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/fzsTp5n3VU5LKd75pSQXjC-320-80.jpg)
Watch China's Shenzhou 16 space station astronauts return to Earth Oct. 30 (video)
By Brett Tingley published
Three Chinese astronauts are set to return to Earth tonight after a five-month stay at the Tiangong space station, and you can watch it live.
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