China is preparing to launch an uncrewed Shenzhou spacecraft as its astronauts shuffle missions following damage to the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft, while the Tiangong station prepares to greet its first international visitor in 2026.
Meanwhile, commercial launch providers continue to make progress toward maiden launches, though a number have slipped into early next year. Furthermore, a study of Chang’e 6 lunar samples discovers ‘”rust” on the moon, while preparations continue for the Chang’e 7 water ice reconnaissance mission.