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JIUQUAN, China – As China advances its space exploration endeavors, including potential crewed missions to the Moon and Mars, the nation is in the final stages of preparation for the launch of the Shenzhou 20 mission. This three-person crew will replace the current team aboard China’s orbiting space station, Tiangong.
Shenzhou 20 Launch Details
The Shenzhou 20 mission’s lift-off is scheduled for Thursday evening at the launch center in Jiuquan, situated on the fringe of the Gobi Desert in northwestern China.
Tiangong Space Station: A Symbol of China’s Space Ambitions
The Tiangong, often called “Heavenly Palace,” has solidified China’s position as a significant player in space exploration. This entirely Chinese-engineered station emerged after the country’s exclusion from the International Space Station due to U.S. national security concerns. Notably, China’s space program operates under the direction of the People’s Liberation Army, the military arm of the ruling Communist Party.
Concerns Regarding Mechanical Arms
The addition of robotic arms to the three-module station has sparked apprehension among some, who speculate that China might utilize them to neutralize satellites or other spacecraft during times of conflict.
China’s Growing Space Program
Since achieving the milestone of sending a human into space in 2003—becoming only the third nation to accomplish this feat—China’s space program has seen consistent progress. The China Manned Space Agency has successfully deployed a lander on Mars and a rover on the Moon’s far side, with intentions to land a person on the Moon before 2030.
Meet the Shenzhou 20 Crew
- The Shenzhou, or “Celestial Vessel,” 20 mission will be led by Chen Dong, embarking on his third space voyage.
- He will be accompanied by fighter pilot Chen Zhongrui and engineer Wang Jie, both undertaking their first spaceflights, according to the CMSA.
Mission Objectives
The crew will relieve the three astronauts presently stationed on the Chinese space station. Similar to their predecessors, they are expected to remain in orbit for approximately six months.
Launch Timeline
The spaceship is programmed to launch on China’s reliable Long March 2F rocket at 5:17 p.m. local time (0917 GMT) and is expected to dock with the Tiangong roughly 6.5 hours later.
Current Crew’s Departure
- The current three-person crew launched in October of the previous year and have spent 175 days in space.
- Their return is scheduled for April 29, following a brief period of overlap with the incoming crew.
- The Tiangong, which was fully constructed in October 2022, has the capacity to accommodate up to six individuals simultaneously.
Astronaut Responsibilities
During their time in space, the astronauts will conduct research in medical science and cutting-edge technologies, along with performing spacewalks for maintenance tasks and the installation of novel equipment, as indicated by the Manned Space Agency.