China Nears New Spaceflight Record in 2025 as Crewed and Lunar Missions Advance
Space Desk | October 20, 2025
Introduction
China’s space program is on the verge of setting another record-breaking year. As of mid-October 2025, the nation has completed 64 orbital launches, putting it within reach of its national record of 68 launches set in 2024. These achievements underline China’s growing dominance in both government-led exploration and commercial space activities, as it continues to expand its global presence in space technology and science.
A Record-Chasing Year
China’s 63rd and 64th launches of 2025 took place in mid-October, showcasing the nation’s consistent launch cadence. One of the most significant milestones came on October 16, when the 12th Guowang megaconstellation mission marked the 600th flight of a Long March rocket — a major historic achievement for the country’s flagship launch vehicle family.
Since its first flight in 1970, the Long March series has evolved into a powerful and reliable fleet, supporting everything from small satellites to deep-space probes.
Upcoming Launches
China’s launch calendar remains busy through the final quarter of 2025.
| Date (Expected) | Rocket | Launch Site | Mission Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct. 22, 2025 | Long March 5 | Wenchang Spaceport, Hainan | Heavy-lift mission (details TBD) |
| Oct. 26, 2025 | Long March 3B | Xichang Satellite Launch Center | Satellite deployment |
| Late Oct. 2025 | Shenzhou-21 | Jiuquan Space Center | Crewed mission to Tiangong Space Station |
The Long March 5 mission from Hainan Island will likely carry a major national payload, followed by the Long March 3B launch from Xichang, typically used for communication satellites.
The headline mission of the month, however, is the Shenzhou-21 crewed flight, expected before the end of October.
Sustaining Human Presence in Orbit
Shenzhou-21 will transport a new team of astronauts to the Tiangong Space Station, continuing China’s permanent human presence in low Earth orbit.
Since its completion in 2022, Tiangong has become a hub for scientific research and international collaboration, with experiments in biology, materials science, and space medicine.
The upcoming rotation will replace the Shenzhou-20 crew, ensuring uninterrupted operations aboard the orbiting outpost.
Preparing for the Moon
Beyond Earth orbit, China is steadily advancing its crewed lunar exploration program. Additional test flights and verification missions are expected before year-end as part of preparations for a crewed lunar landing before 2030.
The country is developing next-generation systems including!
- The Long March 10 heavy-lift rocket,
- A new crewed spacecraft for deep-space missions, and
- A lunar lander for surface operations.
These developments follow the success of China’s robotic lunar missions, including Chang’e-4 (the first landing on the Moon’s far side) and Chang’e-5 (which returned lunar samples in 2020).
Commercial Space Expansion
China’s private space sector continues to gain momentum in 2025. Companies such as LandSpace, Galactic Energy, iSpace, and Space Pioneer are racing to debut larger, reusable methane-fueled rockets, aiming to reduce costs and compete internationally.
These commercial advancements complement China’s national efforts, marking a shift toward a diversified, market-driven space ecosystem similar to the model seen in the United States.
Outlook: A New Record Within Reach
With several major missions still on the schedule — including crewed, satellite, and test launches — China is poised to match or surpass its 2024 record by the end of the year.
This momentum, driven by government leadership and private innovation, highlights China’s long-term goal: establishing itself as a comprehensive space power capable of deep-space exploration, satellite networking, and human spaceflight.
As the year closes, all eyes remain on Wenchang, Xichang, and Jiuquan, where the next wave of launches will determine whether 2025 becomes China’s most successful spaceflight year in history.
Quick Facts: China’s 2025 Launch Activity
| Category | Details (as of Oct. 20, 2025) |
|---|---|
| Total Launches | 64 |
| 2024 Record | 68 launches |
| Major Milestone | 600th Long March rocket (Oct. 16) |
| Next Launch | Long March 5 — Oct. 22, 2025 |
| Crewed Mission | Shenzhou-21 — Late October |
| Lunar Program | Crewed lunar test phase underway |
| Commercial Sector | Multiple private rocket debuts expected |
About China’s Space Program
China’s space ambitions span Earth observation, satellite communications, human spaceflight, and planetary exploration. The country’s Long March rocket family, Tiangong Space Station, and Chang’e lunar missions form the backbone of its modern aerospace achievements. With sustained annual growth, China is positioning itself as a key force in the next decade of global space exploration.
China’s 2025 Launch Activities Report
1. Overview
China continues its strong pace in space launches throughout 2025, maintaining global leadership in orbital missions. By mid-October, the country has completed 64 launches, edging close to its national record of 68 set in 2024. These missions include government, commercial, and scientific payloads, highlighting the rapid expansion of China’s state and private space sectors.
2. Key Milestones
- Total Launches (as of Oct. 20, 2025): 64
- Record to Beat: 68 launches (2024)
- Major Achievement: The 600th Long March rocket launch, completed on October 16, 2025, during the 12th Guowang megaconstellation mission.
- Guowang Megaconstellation: A strategic national project aimed at building a large-scale broadband satellite network.
3. Upcoming Launch Schedule
| Date (Expected) | Rocket | Launch Site | Mission Type / Destination |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct. 22, 2025 | Long March 5 | Wenchang Spaceport, Hainan | Heavy-lift mission (details TBD) |
| Oct. 26, 2025 | Long March 3B | Xichang Launch Center | Satellite deployment (TBD) |
| Late Oct. 2025 | Shenzhou-21 | Jiuquan Space Center | Crewed mission to Tiangong Space Station |
4. Human Spaceflight Program
The Shenzhou-21 mission will transport a new crew to China’s Tiangong Space Station, continuing the country’s uninterrupted human presence in low Earth orbit. This mission marks another step in the buildup toward sustained long-term space habitation and operations.
5. Lunar Exploration Progress
China is preparing for a crewed lunar program, with additional uncrewed tests and verification flights expected before the end of 2025. These missions are part of the country’s roadmap toward a human lunar landing before 2030.
6. Commercial Space Developments
China’s commercial launch sector continues rapid growth, with several private companies — including LandSpace, Galactic Energy, and Space Pioneer — planning to debut new large-lift rockets in late 2025 and early 2026. These advances aim to boost competition, reduce costs, and expand global launch services.
7. Outlook
With multiple major missions scheduled before year-end, China is on track to surpass or match its 2024 record for annual launches. The combination of government-backed megaprojects, private innovation, and crew and lunar program development positions China as a central force in the global space race.
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