The Shenzhou-18 crewed spaceship is scheduled to launch at 8:59 p.m. Beijing Time on Thursday from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).
Chinese astronauts Ye Guangfu, Li Cong, and Li Guangsu will embark on the Shenzhou-18 mission to China's space station, with Ye serving as commander. Ye previously participated in the Shenzhou-13 mission, while Li Cong and Li Guangsu are part of the third batch of taikonauts, marking their first spaceflight.
The crew is set to remain in orbit for approximately six months, returning to the Dongfeng landing site in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region by late October.
During their mission, the Shenzhou-18 team will receive the Tianzhou-8 cargo ship and the Shenzhou-19 spaceship. They will also collaborate with the current Shenzhou-17 trio before returning to Earth on April 30.
Major Tasks
The Shenzhou-18 crew will undertake numerous tasks, including space science experiments, extravehicular activities (EVAs), cargo transportation, installation of space debris shelters, and public welfare activities. These efforts aim to enhance the operational efficiency of the space station.
They will perform two to three spacewalks and manage six cargo deliveries via the cargo airlock module. During EVAs, they will reinforce space debris protections and inspect critical equipment to ensure the safety of the station.
The crew will conduct over 90 experiments across various fields such as microgravity physics, space material science, biology, and medicine. Notably, they will initiate the first in-orbit aquatic ecological research program, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem using zebrafish and goldfish algae.
Additionally, the mission will include the world's first in-orbit study on plant tip stem cells, exploring how plants adapt to gravity and laying the groundwork for future space-based agriculture.
Future Plans
China is nearing the completion of its fourth batch of taikonauts, who will join active missions and contribute to future space station activities and the nation's planned manned lunar landing by 2030.
The country also aims to welcome international astronauts and space tourists to its space station, fostering global collaboration in space exploration.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
