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China's Shenzhou-20 Crew Begins Six-Month Mission on Tiangong Space Station

The spacecraft successfully docked hours after launch, with astronauts set to conduct advanced experiments and prepare for future lunar ambitions.

Overview

  • The Shenzhou-20 spacecraft, carrying three Chinese astronauts, docked with the Tiangong space station on April 24, 2025, after launching from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.
  • Commander Chen Dong, on his third mission, is joined by first-time astronauts Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie for a six-month stay aboard the station.
  • The crew will conduct experiments on superconducting materials, planarian regeneration, and other life sciences to advance space medicine and technology research.
  • They will also install debris-protection equipment, perform spacewalks, and oversee cargo operations, including preparations for the Tianzhou-9 cargo spacecraft arrival.
  • The outgoing Shenzhou-19 crew will return to Earth on April 29 following a brief handover period, marking the continuation of China's ambitious space program.