BEIJING, July 18 (Reuters) - China's next-generation crewed spacecraft, which can transport up to seven astronauts, may fly for the first time between 2027 and 2028, a veteran Chinese astronaut said.
Recent tests on the return capsule of the next-generation spacecraft have been "very successful", with their first flights estimated to take place between 2027 and 2028, said Yang, currently deputy chief designer of China's manned spaceflight project.
The next-generation spacecraft was first tested in 2020.
China's current Shenzhou spacecraft, based on Russia's Soyuz, can transport up to three astronauts to low-Earth orbit.
The return module's high heat resistance also allows much of it to be re-used.
Persons:
China's, Yang Liwei, Yang, Zhang Bainan, Ryan Woo, Sharon Singleton
Organizations:
Thomson
Locations:
BEIJING, Guangzhou