China plans to launch its next-generation crewed spacecraft, Mengzhou-1, in 2026, representing a significant upgrade to the Shenzhou design with a modular configuration for deep-space readiness. The launch, aboard the Long March 10A rocket from Hainan, will aim to validate critical systems and support the Chinese Space Station’s operational needs. Following this, two additional missions, Shenzhou-22 and Shenzhou-23, will also occur in 2026, with Shenzhou-22 featuring an astronaut’s year-long stay in orbit, underscoring China’s commitment to sustained human presence in space. These developments illustrate China’s strategic focus on advancing its space capabilities, emphasizing its ambition for future lunar and interplanetary exploration, which may have implications for regional dynamics and international space governance.