Beijing, 31 May, 2023 (GNP): China successfully launched the Shenzhou-16 mission to the Tiangong space station on May 30, 2023. The mission is carrying three astronauts, who will spend six months on the space station conducting scientific experiments.
The Shenzhou-16 spacecraft was launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Gobi Dessert. The spacecraft successfully entered orbit around Earth and docked with the Tiangong space station.
Also Read: China plans to land astronauts on moon before 2030
The three astronauts on the Shenzhou-16 mission are:
- Nie Haisheng, commander of the mission
- Zhang Lu, flight engineer
- Wang Yaping, flight engineer
Nie Haisheng is a veteran astronaut who has previously flown on two Shenzhou missions. Zhang Lu and Wang Yaping are both making their first spaceflights.
The Shenzhou-16 mission is the second crewed mission to the Tiangong space station. The first crewed mission, Shenzhou-15, launched in September 2022. The Tiangong space station is China’s first permanent space station. It is expected to be completed in 2024.
The Shenzhou-16 mission is a major milestone in China’s space program. It demonstrates China’s ability to launch and operate a crewed space station. The mission is also seen as increasing space competition between the US and China.
