China's 'space dream': A Long March to the Moon and beyond

Chinese astronauts (from left) Ye Guangfu, Wang Yaping and Zhai Zhigang before blasting off on October 15, 2021. - AFP

Beijing, April 16, 2022 (AFP): The return to Earth of three astronauts on Saturday after six months at China's new space station marks a landmark step in the country's space ambitions, ending its longest crewed mission ever.

The world's second-largest economy has put billions into its military-run space programme, with hopes of eventually sending humans to the Moon.