China launches new crew to Tiangong space station as lunar plans progress

China launches new crew to Tiangong space station as lunar plans progress
by Sheri Walsh
Washington DC (UPI) Apr 25, 2024

Following a successful launch on Thursday, China has initiated its latest mission to the Tiangong space station. The Shenzhou 18 spacecraft, carrying three crew members, was launched aboard a Long March 2F rocket from the Jiuquan spaceport in northwest China. The crew, consisting of Ye Guangfu, 43, Li Cong, 34, and Li Guangsu, 36, is set to undertake a six-month expedition aboard the station.

The journey to the Tiangong space station will take approximately seven hours, with the crew to assume their duties shortly after arrival. This mission marks the transition from the Shenzhou 17 crew, who are currently stationed at Tiangong and are scheduled to return to Earth in their own spacecraft on April 30.

During their six-month stay, the Shenzhou 18 crew will undertake a range of tasks aimed at maintaining and enhancing the functionality of the space station. This includes conducting extravehicular activities (spacewalks) and overseeing repairs and maintenance tasks. Lin Xiqiang, deputy director of the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), outlined the mission objectives, stating that the astronauts will perform six cargo outbound deliveries via the station's cargo airlock module and undertake two to three extravehicular activities.

Key tasks during the extravehicular activities will include installing space debris protection reinforcements for extravehicular piping, cables, and critical equipment. Additionally, the crew will conduct inspections to further enhance the safety and operational efficiency of the space station.

The launch of Shenzhou 18 represents a significant milestone in China's ambitious space exploration program. The Tiangong space station, initiated by the China Manned Space Agency in April 2021, aims to be operational for the next decade, facilitating scientific research and international collaboration in space.

Reflecting on the completion of the China Space Station, Ye Guangfu expressed optimism about the future of China's aerospace endeavors, emphasizing their contribution to global cooperation in space exploration.

In addition to the immediate mission to Tiangong, the China Manned Space Engineering Office provided insights into the country's broader lunar exploration ambitions. China remains on track to achieve crewed lunar missions by 2030, with significant progress reported in the development of key components such as the Long March 10 rocket, the Mengzhou crew spacecraft, the lunar lander Lanyue, and lunar landing suits.

China's lunar program is part of a larger initiative to establish a sustained human presence on the moon under the International Lunar Research Station framework. This ambitious endeavor aligns with China's commitment to advancing scientific discovery and international collaboration in space exploration.

While China progresses with its lunar aspirations, other nations, notably the United States, are also pursuing lunar exploration initiatives. Despite delays, such as those encountered by the Artemis 3 mission, international efforts continue to converge towards unlocking the mysteries of the lunar surface and expanding humanity's presence beyond Earth.

As the Shenzhou 18 crew settles into their mission aboard the Tiangong space station, the world watches with anticipation as China's space exploration endeavors enter a new phase of discovery and collaboration.