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China’s latest human spaceflight mission, the Shenzhou 20, is preparing to head to orbit. You can witness the launch live as China continues its ambitious space program and expansion in space exploration. This mission highlights China’s commitment to advancing its capabilities in space.
Watch the Shenzhou 20 Launch Live
A Long March 2F rocket, carrying the Shenzhou 20 crew capsule, is scheduled to launch from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China on April 24 at 5:17 a.m. EDT (0917 GMT; 5:17 p.m. Beijing time). You can view the launch via webcast, courtesy of CCTV.
Meet the Shenzhou 20 Crew
The Shenzhou 20 mission will be staffed by three individuals:
- Commander Chen Dong: Making his third journey into space.
- Chen Zhongrui: A rookie astronaut.
- Wang Jie: A rookie astronaut.
Both Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie were chosen in 2020 as part of China’s third group of astronauts.
Mission Objectives and Timeline
The Shenzhou 20 spacecraft is scheduled to dock with the Tiangong space station approximately 6.5 hours after liftoff. The crew will be welcomed by the current Shenzhou 19 team, led by commander Cai Xuzhe. The Shenzhou 19 crew will then transfer command of Tiangong to the newly arrived Shenzhou 20 astronauts, who will commence their six-month stay on the space station.
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Following the handover, the Shenzhou 19 astronauts will return to Earth in their own spacecraft. According to airspace closure notices, their return is planned for April 29.
Commander Chen Dong’s Experience
Chen Dong brings considerable experience to the mission, having previously flown on the Shenzhou 11 mission to the Tiangong 2 space lab during 2016. He also led the Shenzhou 14 mission to Tiangong in 2022, overseeing the installation of the two experiment modules that completed the three-module space station.
“I feel immense pride and honor to once again embark on a space journey for my country. It is a great privilege and joy,” Chen stated at a press conference on April 23. “On the other hand, I have greater expectations. Every spaceflight is unique, and I look forward to gaining more experience and making new breakthroughs during this mission.”
New Astronauts: Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie
Chen Zhongrui formerly served as a pilot in the People’s Liberation Army Air Force. Wang was an aerospace engineer at CASC, China’s primary space contractor.
Chen noted that becoming an astronaut required intense training involving over 200 subjects across eight categories, including centrifuge training and spin-chair exercises. He mentioned being inspired by a visit from Yang Liwei, China’s first astronaut, to his university. “At the time, I never dared to imagine that years later, I would become an astronaut myself,” he said.
Wang explained that as a spaceflight engineer, he will support the other astronauts and will be responsible for materials management related to the mission’s scientific goals.
“We are ready, and we are looking forward to going to space,” Wang commented. “This time, the responsibility has been placed on our shoulders. I think it is a sense of duty. We hope to do our job well, manage the space station effectively, and successfully complete our experimental projects during the six months in space.”
Supporting Missions and Future Plans
During the Shenzhou 20 mission, China will launch the Tianzhou 9 cargo resupply mission to Tiangong. This mission will deliver essential supplies, propellant to maintain Tiangong’s orbit, and new experiments.
China’s Tiangong Space Station
- The Tiangong space station orbits Earth at an altitude of 217 to 280 miles (340 to 450 kilometers).
- Shenzhou 20 marks the ninth crewed mission and the sixth visit since the three-module orbital outpost was completed in October 2022.
- China plans to keep Tiangong permanently inhabited for at least ten years and is planning to expand with new modules, opening it up to commercial ventures.
International Collaboration
The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) and Pakistan are collaborating to prepare for the first foreign astronaut to visit Tiangong.