The Shenzhou 19 spacecraft launched atop a Long March 2F carrier rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center at 4:27 am on Wednesday. Following a six-and-a-half-hour journey, the crew completed docking procedures and began preparing to enter the space station. This preparation, which took nearly two hours, included transitioning from their pressure suits to intravehicular suits.
The Shenzhou 18 crew, led by Senior Colonel Ye Guangfu, welcomed the new arrivals in the connection cabin, exchanging greetings and embraces as the two teams came together. After docking, the six astronauts took the opportunity to share experiences, refine mission procedures, and pose for group photos to commemorate the handover of responsibilities.
Commander Cai Xuzhe expressed his excitement at returning to Tiangong, noting his satisfaction at seeing familiar surroundings again. His crew will work closely with Ye's team over the next few days, focusing on an efficient exchange of operational knowledge and ensuring continuity in the station's activities.
During their stay, the crew will also oversee the arrival of the Tianzhou 8 cargo ship, scheduled to launch in mid-November. This mission was rescheduled following Super Typhoon Yagi, which caused damage to the Wenchang Space Launch Center. Despite these logistical challenges, preparations are proceeding smoothly, with adequate supplies already available aboard Tiangong to support the crew through the extended timeline.
Song's journey is characterized by resilience and self-improvement. In 2020, he was selected as part of China's third group of astronauts, but his journey was not without personal challenges. Song initially struggled with an impatient disposition, a trait he learned to manage through activities such as fishing, which helped cultivate the patience and focus essential for a successful astronaut. His teammates, Commander Cai and Lieutenant Colonel Wang, have expressed full confidence in Song's ability to perform his duties effectively during this mission.
This current crew rotation underscores China's commitment to maintaining an uninterrupted human presence in space, with regular crew transfers and resupply missions ensuring Tiangong remains fully operational. The forthcoming Tianzhou 8 cargo mission will further bolster Tiangong's capacity, delivering essential supplies that will support ongoing experiments and daily activities aboard the station.
The Shenzhou 18 crew is set to return to Earth on Monday, officially handing over the responsibilities of station upkeep and mission progress to the new occupants. Preparations for the next rotation, involving Shenzhou XX, are already underway to guarantee the seamless continuation of operations aboard the Tiangong space station.
Related Links
China Manned Space Agency
The Chinese Space Program - News, Policy and Technology
China News from SinoDaily.com
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