Overview

• The Shenzhou-20 mission, launching April 24 at 5:17 pm local time from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, will replace the current Tiangong crew after 175 days in orbit.
• Chen Dong, a seasoned astronaut with prior missions on Shenzhou-11 and Shenzhou-14, will command the mission alongside first-time astronauts Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie.
• The incoming crew will conduct experiments in space medicine and technology, perform extravehicular activities, and implement upgrades to the Tiangong station.
• This mission reinforces China's commitment to self-reliance in space exploration, following its exclusion from the International Space Station program.
• China continues to pursue its long-term goal of a crewed lunar landing by 2030, building on achievements such as Mars and lunar rover missions.