The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) announced that the Shenzhou-20 crewed mission will be launched at 5:17 p.m. on April 24 from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, located in northwest China.
Roughly 6.5 hours after reaching orbit, Shenzhou-20 will perform an automated docking with the radial port of the Tianhe core module, creating a complex of three spacecraft and three modules.
This mission marks the fifth crewed journey during the application and development stage of the China Space Station, and the 35th overall manned mission in China’s space program.
The primary goals include replacing the Shenzhou-19 crew, staying in orbit for around six months, conducting scientific research, performing spacewalks, transferring cargo, and installing both external equipment and debris shielding devices.
During their mission, the Shenzhou-20 team will welcome the Tianzhou-9 cargo ship and the Shenzhou-21 crewed spacecraft. Their return to Earth is scheduled for late October.
After the crew rotation is complete, the Shenzhou-19 astronauts will return to Earth on April 29, landing at the Dongfeng site, as per CMSA’s plans.
The Shenzhou-20 mission will be carried out by astronauts Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie.
Chen Dong, who previously flew on the Shenzhou-11 and Shenzhou-14 missions, will lead the mission as commander after a two-year break.
First-time astronauts Chen Zhongrui, formerly an air force pilot, and Wang Jie, previously an engineer at the China Academy of Space Technology, are both members of China’s third group of astronauts.
CMSA revealed that the Shenzhou-20 mission will include new biological experiments involving zebrafish, planarians, and streptomyces to study life sciences in microgravity.
The crew is set to carry out 59 scientific and technological tests, covering areas such as space life sciences, microgravity physical sciences, and the development of new space technologies.
CMSA also announced future plans to welcome more international and regional astronauts. The first payload specialists from Hong Kong and Macao are expected to join a space mission as early as 2026.
Additionally, two Pakistani astronauts will be selected for spaceflight training in China, with one of them having the opportunity to take part in a joint space mission as a payload specialist.
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