THE NEW SPACE RACE: China launches 3 astronauts, including 1st ever from Hong Kong, to Tiangong space station. “The launch also marked the start of a historic human spaceflight for China: One of the three astronauts is starting a one-year stay in orbit, a first for the country. This is because Shenzhou 24, due to launch late this year, will be used to send a Pakistani astronaut to Tiangong for a short-duration visit.”