China completes first astronaut cave training to strengthen preparation for lunar missions

Addis Ababa, January 13, 2026 (FMC) – China has successfully concluded its first-ever astronaut cave training programme, marking a new stage in preparation for long-duration spaceflight and future crewed lunar missions, TV BRICS reported, citing its Chinese partner Global Times.

The intensive training took place in the Wulong district of Chongqing in south-west China. A total of 28 taikonauts, divided into four teams, spent six days and five nights underground, completing a series of complex tasks designed to simulate the extreme conditions of space exploration.

According to programme organisers, the cave environment mirrors key challenges faced during space missions, including isolation, confinement, limited external support and heightened risk. The training required participants to carry out cave exploration, scientific research, resource management and life-support operations under physically and mentally demanding conditions.

Taikonauts navigated narrow passages, climbed and descended steep rock faces, and endured prolonged exposure to cold and damp environments. The exercises were intended to test stamina, decision-making under pressure, teamwork and the ability to operate independently in unfamiliar and high-risk settings.

Experts involved in the programme noted that psychological resilience was a central focus. Continuous monitoring and group-based psychological support were used to help astronauts adapt to sensory deprivation, uncertainty and restricted communication. The data collected during the training will contribute to the development of psychological support systems for future long-duration missions, including planned lunar landings.

The programme also placed a stronger emphasis on autonomy compared with previous international underground training initiatives, reducing external assistance and encouraging astronauts to rely on their own judgement and coordination.