China’s Shenzhou 19 spacecraft has successfully docked at the Tiangong space station, carrying a crew that includes Wang Haoze, China’s first female space engineer. This mission, which took over six hours to reach the station, marks another milestone in China’s rapidly advancing space program. The crew, stationed on Tiangong for six months, will conduct cutting-edge experiments and perform spacewalks, contributing valuable data and experience that align with China’s ambitious goal to put astronauts on the Moon by 2030.
Beijing has labeled the launch a “complete success,” showcasing it as part of an extensive program of 100 planned space missions this year—an unprecedented number in China’s history of space exploration. This launch is also part of a broader strategy, as President Xi Jinping views space exploration as a defining aspect of China’s rise on the global stage. In his words, “to explore the vast cosmos, develop the space industry, and build China into a space power is our eternal dream.” His vision underscores China’s pursuit of a pioneering role in space, one that rivals the achievements of the United States and other global space leaders.
The BBC, given rare access to cover the launch, witnessed the event from a vantage point just over a kilometer away from the launch pad at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Gansu. The rocket’s flames illuminated the Gobi Desert against the night sky, accompanied by the roar of cheering crowds. Hundreds of spectators lined the streets as the crew members, often referred to as “taikonauts,” made their way to the launch site. Children dressed in school uniforms waved flags and sang patriotic songs, lending a festive, nationally symbolic atmosphere to the departure. These children, many up late for this special occasion, shared in the pride and anticipation surrounding China’s latest leap in its space program.
The Shenzhou 19 crew will join the Shenzhou 18 crew currently on Tiangong, who will be returning to Earth on November 4. This mission also underscores a generational shift in China’s astronaut corps, with this being the “youngest crew” to date. Taikonaut Cai Xuzhe, an experienced pilot, spoke proudly of this youthful cohort, saying their energy gave him a renewed confidence. His younger colleague, Song Lingdong, reflected on the mission as a fulfillment of a childhood dream, recalling the inspiration he felt when witnessing one of China’s early space missions. “I am determined not to let down the trust placed in me,” he said. “I will strive to make our country’s name shine once again in space.”
With the success of Shenzhou 19, China continues a series of major space milestones. In recent years, China has landed a spacecraft on Mars, launched its Zhurong rover, and become the first nation to retrieve rock and soil samples from the far side of the Moon. These achievements have bolstered China’s position as a leading force in space. As of this year, the country has also initiated a satellite constellation project with the first launch of 18 satellites, aiming to eventually reach 14,000 satellites for a broadband internet network that could rival SpaceX’s Starlink. Even SpaceX CEO Elon Musk remarked on the impressive scale and speed of China’s progress in space, acknowledging that the country is more advanced than many realize.
The United States, however, views China’s accomplishments with caution. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson recently warned that the U.S. and China are now in a “race” to return to the Moon. This rivalry, Nelson argued, is about more than just reaching the Moon; it involves securing valuable lunar resources, including rare earth elements, iron, titanium, and helium—resources crucial for advanced technology and potentially highly lucrative. While mining on the Moon remains a distant goal, this resource potential gives an additional dimension to lunar exploration. General Stephen Whiting of the U.S. Space Command has voiced concerns over China’s rapidly expanding space capabilities, noting that China has tripled its reconnaissance satellites since 2018, posing a strategic challenge for the U.S. and its allies in the Pacific.
Despite such concerns, Chinese space officials insist their objectives are peaceful. Li Yingliang, director of China’s Manned Space Agency’s general technology bureau, emphasized a spirit of global collaboration in their program, downplaying the notion of a competition with the U.S. He highlighted China’s long-held belief in “peaceful use of space,” and expressed a commitment to international cooperation on various space missions.
Beijing has made a point of showcasing the scientific advancements enabled by Tiangong’s unique environment. Chinese scientists at the station are conducting research that may have significant benefits for humanity, including studies on bone and muscle deterioration in microgravity, which could yield insights for combating osteoporosis on Earth. According to Zhang Wei from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, if unique patterns are identified, these findings may lead to the development of innovative medications to treat bone loss and muscle atrophy.
Nevertheless, China remains vigilant about safeguarding its technological advancements. At the launch site, reporters were escorted and kept under strict security protocols, often hours away from the site itself. Signs posted around the facility read, “It’s a crime to leak secrets. It’s an honor to keep secrets.” Such measures reflect China’s cautious approach in protecting its technologies as it continues its space exploration journey amidst global scrutiny.
This achievement positions China as a formidable player in space, but the country acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead, particularly regarding its aspirations for lunar exploration. Spokesperson Lin Xiqiang of the China Manned Space Agency acknowledged the complexities of crewed lunar missions, including advanced technology requirements and tight timelines. However, China’s leadership is committed to realizing this “eternal dream” of reaching the Moon, firmly establishing itself as a space-faring nation with plans that span well into the future.
Through its rapid progression in space exploration, from Mars landings to satellite constellations, China aims not only to push the boundaries of science but to inspire a sense of national pride and global influence. As it stands, the new space race is about more than mere exploration—it’s about shaping the future of humanity’s presence in space, with both China and the United States seeking a leading role in this next frontier.