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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.

Chinese astronauts for the Shenzhou 20 mission, from right, Chen Zhongrui, Chen Dong and Wang Jie wave as they attend a send-off ceremony for their manned space mission at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China, Thursday, April 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)
Image
Chinese astronauts for the Shenzhou 20 mission, from right, Chen Zhongrui, Chen Dong and Wang Jie wave as they attend a send-off ceremony for their manned space mission at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China, Thursday, April 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)
Chinese astronauts for the Shenzhou 20 mission, from right, Chen Zhongrui, Chen Dong and Wang Jie wave as they attend a send-off ceremony for their manned space mission at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China, Thursday, April 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

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.