China’s Chang Zheng 8A rocket is set for its maiden flight from the Hainan commercial spaceport this month. Meanwhile, a Chang Zheng 12A development prototype flew a 75 km high-altitude test flight this week with an uncertain outcome. 2025 has begun with land and sea launches as commercial companies gear up to debut new and reusable vehicles this year.
Meanwhile, Shenzhou-19 taikonauts Cai Xuzhe and Song LingDong completed a second spacewalk this week, following their record-breaking longest spacewalk in December. This latest spacewalk on Jan. 20 saw the pair install additional debris shielding, aided by the station’s robotic arm and lasted eight and a half hours.