China launched the Shenzhou 23 spacecraft on Sunday, sending three astronauts to the Tiangong space station, including one who will remain in orbit for about a year.

The mission lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center and is part of China’s broader push toward a planned crewed lunar landing by 2030.

The crew includes commander Zhu Yangzhu and astronauts Zhang Zhiyuan and Lai Ka-ying, the first astronaut from Hong Kong to go to space.

They are expected to carry out scientific experiments and rotate duties with a crew already aboard the station, the AP has reported.

The long-duration stay aims to study human performance in space as China continues expanding its independent space program amid competition with the United States.