China's Shenzhou-17 crew successfully transferred the keys of the China Space Station (CSS) to their counterparts from the Shenzhou-18 mission during a handover ceremony on Sunday. After completing all planned tasks, the Shenzhou-17 crew is scheduled to return to Earth on April 30, according to the China Manned Space Agency.
The mission saw Shenzhou-17 astronauts Tang Hongbo, Tang Shengjie, and Jiang Xinlin launching to the CSS last October, spending approximately six months in orbit. Throughout their mission, they conducted 84 in-orbit experiments and tests, producing over 200 samples across various fields, including space life science, biotechnology, space medicine, and material science. These samples will be instrumental in advancing scientific research.
In response to a partial power loss caused by space debris damaging the Tianhe core module's solar panels, the crew performed China's first-ever extravehicular repair mission. This involved two spacewalks that successfully restored the station's power supply, showcasing China's growing capabilities in space maintenance.
On Thursday, China launched the Shenzhou-18 manned spacecraft, sending astronauts Ye Guangfu, Li Cong, and Li Guangsu to continue the work at the CSS. The new crew joined the Shenzhou-17 astronauts in orbit, marking a seamless transition and ensuring the continuous progress of the space station's initiatives.
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China's Shenzhou-17 crew completes handover, return set for April 30
cgtn.com
