Shenzhou-18 Mission : China
China launched the Shenzhou-18 spacecraft carrying a three-member crew to its orbiting Tiangong space station. The mission is part of China’s ambitious space program, which aims to put astronauts on the moon by 2030.
- The Shenzhou-18 spacecraft lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China atop a Long March 2-F rocket.
- The crew, consisting of Commander Ye Guangfu and fighter pilots Li Cong and Li Guangsu, is expected to reach the space station about six-and-a-half hours after liftoff.
- Mission Objectives : During their six-month stay on the Tiangong space station, the Shenzhou-18 crew will:
- Conduct scientific tests
- Install space debris protection equipment
- Carry out payload experiments
- Popularize science education
- The crew will relieve the Shenzhou-17 team, which has been staffing the space station since October 2023.
