The China Manned Space Agency has announced plans to launch the Shenzhou-19 crewed spacecraft and facilitate the return of the Shenzhou-18 crew to Earth in late October.
The agency's October mission plan, released this week, indicates that the Shenzhou-18 crew, who are on board China's orbiting space station, will complete their six-month space mission this month and embark on their journey back.
The Shenzhou-18 crew consists of three male taikonauts – Ye Guangfu, Li Cong, and Li Guangsu. The crew was launched into space on April 25 and has been diligently conducting scientific experiments, data collection, and preparing for the arrival of the new crew.
During the week-long National Day holiday, the Shenzhou-18 crew has been maintaining a regular, orderly work-life balance despite a heavy workload. Their tasks include engineering cognitive experiments and ensuring a smooth handover to the incoming Shenzhou-19 crew.
The trio expressed their excitement for the upcoming \"reunion\" in the space station, showcasing recent footage released by the China Media Group. They shared that they would be cleaning up the modules, preparing reunion meals, and making sure the newcomers feel at home.
The launch of Shenzhou-19 marks another significant step in China's expanding presence in space, highlighting the nation's commitment to advancing its space exploration and research capabilities.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
