China Launches Shenzhou-18 Manned Spacecraft for Six-Month Space Station Mission

The Shenzhou-18 manned spacecraft was successfully launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China on April 24, 2024, at 8:59 pm (Beijing Time). The three-member crew, consisting of astronauts Ye Guangfu, Li Cong, and Li Guangsu, will stay in orbit for about six months, conducting various scientific experiments and spacewalks during their mission aboard China's Tiangong space station.

Ye Guangfu, who previously participated in the Shenzhou-13 mission in 2021, will serve as the mission commander. Li Cong and Li Guangsu, both from China's third batch of astronauts, will be making their first spaceflight. After reaching the Tiangong space station, the Shenzhou-18 crew will be greeted by the current Shenzhou-17 crew, who will then return to Earth.

Why this matters: The Shenzhou-18 mission marks China's 13th manned spaceflight and the first manned mission to the Tiangong space station in 2024. This mission is an essential step in China's ambitious space program, which aims to maintain a constant human presence in orbit and explore the possibility of sending astronauts to the Moon by 2030.

During their six-month stay, the Shenzhou-18 crew will conduct more than 90 experiments in various fields, including microgravity physics, space material science, space life science, and space medicine. One of the key experiments is China's first in-orbit aquatic ecological research project, which will establish a stable 'self-circulating aquatic ecosystem' using zebrafish and hornwort. This study aims to achieve an advancement in cultivating vertebrates in space and support the development of technologies for long-term space habitation.

The astronauts will also carry out two to three extravehicular activities (EVAs) to install space debris protection reinforcements and conduct inspections to ensure the safety of the space station. These spacewalks will further enhance China's capabilities in maintaining and upgrading its orbital outpost.

The Shenzhou-18 mission will witness the arrival of the Tianzhou-8 cargo craft and the Shenzhou-19 crewed spaceship during the crew's stay. The successful docking and integration of these spacecraft with the Tiangong space station will demonstrate China's mastery of complex space operations and its ability to sustain a long-term human presence in orbit.

China's first man in space, Yang Liwei, expressed hope for greater international cooperation in space, including with the United States. As China continues to make significant progress in its space program, the success of the Shenzhou-18 mission will further establish the country as a major space power and pave the way for future collaborations with other nations.

The Shenzhou-18 crew is scheduled to return to the Dongfeng landing site in Inner Mongolia in late October 2024, marking the completion of another milestone in China's rapidly advancing space program. "The launch is a complete success

Key Takeaways

• Shenzhou-18 spacecraft launched on April 24, 2024, with 3-member crew for 6-month mission.
• Crew will conduct over 90 experiments, including China's first in-orbit aquatic ecosystem study.
• Crew will perform 2-3 spacewalks to maintain and upgrade the Tiangong space station.
• Mission will witness arrival of Tianzhou-8 cargo craft and Shenzhou-19 crewed spacecraft.
• Successful mission will further establish China as a major space power and enable future collaborations.