China marks a significant milestone in its ambitious space program with the launch of three astronauts to the Chinese space station Tiangong, embarking on a six-month mission to conduct experiments and install protective equipment against space debris.
Three astronauts have been sent off to the Chinese space station Tiangong, marking a significant milestone in the country’s ambitious space program. The crew will embark on a roughly six-month mission to conduct experiments and install protective equipment against space debris.
China's space station, Tiangong, is a significant achievement in the country's space program.
Launched in 2020, it consists of three modules: core module Tianhe, experiment module Wentian, and service module Mengtian.
With a total mass of around 22 tons, Tiangong orbits the Earth at an altitude of approximately 400 kilometers.
The station enables China to conduct scientific research, test space technologies, and provide training for astronauts.
The Shenzhou-20 spaceship took off from Gobi Desert in northwestern China at 5:17 p.m. local time (0917 GMT) and is expected to replace the crew that has been stationed there since last October. The teams rotate roughly every six months, with the current crew scheduled to return on April 29th.
China’s space program aims to become a leading celestial power, with plans to send a crewed mission to the Moon by 2030 and build a base there, as well as explore Mars. To achieve this goal, Beijing has invested billions of dollars into its space program in recent years.
China's space program has experienced rapid growth since its inception in the late 1950s.
The country's first satellite, Dongfanghong 1, was launched in 1974, marking a significant milestone in Chinese space exploration.
Since then, China has made notable achievements, including landing robots on the Moon and Mars.
In 2003, China became the third country to launch a crewed spacecraft into orbit with Shenzhou 5.
The program continues to advance, with ambitious plans for a permanent space station and lunar base.
The new crew will be led by Chen Dong, who has already completed two missions before and is flying to space for a third time. He will be accompanied by former air force pilot ‘I’m just happy to be part of this mission,’ said Chen Zhongrui ‘It’s an honor to serve my country in this way.’ and engineer Wang Jie, both first-timers in space. Their mission includes conducting experiments in physics and medicine, as well as installing protective equipment against space debris.
Astronaut training involves a rigorous process that lasts from 24 to 36 months.
Candidates must have a bachelor's degree in a STEM field and at least two years of relevant professional experience or 1,000 hours of pilot-in-command time in jet aircraft.
Physical conditioning is also essential, with astronauts undergoing regular exercise routines to maintain their physical fitness.
Training includes scientific and technical courses, spacewalk training, and Russian language classes.
One of the most exciting aspects of their mission is the inclusion of planarians, a kind of aquatic flatworm with great regenerative abilities. The crew hopes to study these creatures in space to better understand how to address injuries sustained in space environments.
China’s space ambitions are driven by a desire to increase its global presence and collaboration opportunities. Despite being excluded from the International Space Station due to US national security concerns, China has sought out partnerships with other countries, such as Pakistan. In February, Beijing signed an agreement to send the first foreign astronaut to Tiangong, and this week, it announced plans to select two Pakistani astronauts for training.
As China continues to push the boundaries of space exploration, its achievements are likely to have a significant impact on the global space community.
