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China has launched the Shenzhou 20 mission, sending three astronauts to the Tiangong space station on April 24. This new team, including mission commander Chen Dong, will conduct experiments and maintain the orbital outpost.
Shenzhou 20 Launches to Tiangong Space Station
The Shenzhou 20 mission successfully launched aboard a Long March 2F rocket from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center at 5:17 a.m. EDT (0917 GMT; 5:17 p.m. Beijing time) on Thursday. This propelled the spacecraft on a 6.5-hour voyage to the Tiangong space station, situated in low Earth orbit.
Crew Unveiled at Press Conference
The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) introduced the crew at a press conference held in Jiuquan on Wednesday, April 23.
Meet the Crew
- Chen Dong: As commander, this marks Chen Dong’s third space voyage and second command. In 2022, he led the Shenzhou 14 mission to Tiangong. “This will be my third mission, and I’m still incredibly excited,” Chen Dong stated, according to China Central Television (CCTV). “On one hand, I feel immense pride and honor to once again embark on a space journey for my country… On the other hand, I have greater expectations…and making new breakthroughs during this mission.”
- Chen Zhongrui: Making his first journey into space, Chen Zhongrui was selected in 2020 as part of China’s third group of astronauts.
- Wang Jie: Also a first-time space traveler, Wang Jie joined the astronaut corps in 2020.
Backgrounds of New Astronauts
Chen Zhongrui formerly served as an air force pilot before his astronaut selection. Wang Jie was an engineer at the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST), a division of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC).
Objectives of the Six-Month Mission
The trio will reside aboard Tiangong for approximately six months, as stated by Lin Xiqiang, a CMSA spokesperson. Their responsibilities include:
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- Conducting extravehicular activities (EVAs), or spacewalks
- Executing space science and application experiments
- Managing cargo deliveries
- Installing scientific payloads and equipment externally
- Organizing science outreach activities
The Shenzhou 20 mission represents the ninth crewed mission to Tiangong and the sixth since its full assembly in October 2022. CMSA considers this the fifth mission in the application and development phase of China’s space station.
Handover from Shenzhou 19 Crew
The current inhabitants of Tiangong are the Shenzhou 19 crew, and they will welcome the Shenzhou 20 team. Led by commander Cai Xuzhe, the Shenzhou 19 astronauts will transfer control of Tiangong to the incoming crew before returning to Earth on April 29 aboard the Shenzhou 19 spacecraft.