Andrew Jones, Author at SpaceNews

A large cylindrical stainless steel propellant tank, developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT), sits mounted in a factory setting. A red banner across the tank reads “Large-diameter stainless steel tank integrated test product off the assembly line” in Chinese.

China is making stainless steel tanks for its future super heavy-lift rockets

by Andrew Jones April 30, 2025April 30, 2025

A Chinese state-owned rocket maker is making progress in producing large diameter stainless steel tanks for its next-generation launch vehicles.

Chinese astronaut Wang Haoze smiles and waves while being carried in a reclining chair by recovery personnel after landing from the Shenzhou-19 mission, with a Chinese flag and the reentry capsule visible in the background.

Civil

China’s Shenzhou-19 astronauts return to Earth after six-month mission

by Andrew Jones April 30, 2025April 30, 2025

A Long March 5B rocket pierces thick fog during liftoff from Wenchang Satellite Launch Center, its bright engines casting an orange glow over silhouetted palm trees.

China launches third batch of Guowang megaconstellation satellites

by Andrew Jones April 29, 2025April 29, 2025

A Long March 8 rocket lifts off from Hainan Commercial Launch Site at night, illuminating the surroundings with bright flames and thick clouds of smoke. The launch pad structure and lightning towers frame the ascending vehicle against the dark sky.

Policy & Politics

China and Malaysia to study international equatorial spaceport project

by Andrew Jones April 28, 2025April 28, 2025

A Long March 3B rocket lifts off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center at night, sending the Tianlian-2 (05) data relay satellite into orbit. Bright flames and smoke billow from the rocket’s base as it ascends past the illuminated launch tower.

Long March 3B launches Tianlian-2 (05) satellite to boost space data relay network

by Andrew Jones April 27, 2025April 27, 2025

A panorama returned by the Chang'e-5 lander, showing robotic sampling arm and scoop marks in lunar regolith.

Civil

China to lend Chang’e-5 moon samples to U.S. universities

by Andrew Jones April 26, 2025April 26, 2025

Artistic render of China's Chang'e-8 lunar lander on the moon's surface, featuring a gold-colored lander with extended solar panels under a starry lunar sky, illuminated by the Sun.

Civil

China selects international payloads for Chang’e-8 lunar south pole mission

by Andrew Jones April 25, 2025April 25, 2025

View from Shenzhou-20 spacecraft showing the docking interface with the Tiangong space station on April 24, 2025. The image captures the moment of docking, with structural elements and connection points of both spacecraft visible under bright illumination.

Civil

Shenzhou-20 crewed spacecraft arrives at Tiangong space station

by Andrew Jones April 24, 2025April 24, 2025

A Long March 6A rocket climbs above the launch tower at Taiyuan amid plumes of exhaust and a blue sky backdrop.

Civil

China Report: Debris risks, startup funding and previewing Space Day

by Andrew Jones April 24, 2025April 24, 2025

A digital rendering of InfinAstro’s “Space Bus” orbital transfer vehicle in space, carrying multiple small satellites and approaching Earth orbit.

Chinese orbital logistics startup InfinAstro raises angel round funding

by Andrew Jones April 21, 2025April 21, 2025