China weighs taking tourists on board Tiangong space station

Beijing eyes transparency in building military-linked program into global power

China's Tiangong space station is staffed by three crew members, who generally have a background in the country's air force. (China Manned Space Agency)

SHUNSUKE TABETA, Nikkei staff writer

April 25, 2024 00:29 JST

BEIJING -- China is considering hosting tourists on the Tiangong space station as well as allowing visits by foreign astronauts, looking to demonstrate transparency in a space program with strong ties to the People's Liberation Army.

"We are planning to quickly examine promoting stays on our space station by foreign astronauts and space tourists," Lin Xiqiang, deputy director of the China Manned Space Agency, said at a press conference on Wednesday.