“Shenzhou-18 crew embarks on mission to the Tiangong Space Station”
China successfully launched the crewed Shenzhou-18 mission, carrying three new astronauts to the Tiangong Space Station. The mission marked the second flight of the Shenzhou spacecraft to the station. The crew, consisting of Ye Guangfu, Li Cong, and Li Guangsu, are tasked with replacing the previous Shenzhou-17 crew. The launch and docking process took approximately 6.5 hours.
Ye Guangfu, the mission commander, has already accumulated prior spaceflight experience, having flown on the Shenzhou-13 mission. During that mission, he conducted a spacewalk and was involved in various activities outside the station. Ye also participated in the ESA’s CAVES program, further enhancing his skills and experience.
Li Cong, serving as the operator for the Shenzhou-18 crew, has a background in the Chinese Air Force and was selected as a fourth-grade astronaut for the People’s Liberation Army Astronaut Corps. Similarly, Li Guangsu, who will join the mission as the system operator, also has experience serving in the Chinese People’s Liberation Army and is a fourth-grade astronaut in the Astronaut Corps.
After docking with the Tiangong Space Station, the Shenzhou-18 crew will begin a handover period with the outgoing Shenzhou-17 crew before their spacecraft undocks on April 30. Once accustomed to life on the station, the crew will engage in various scientific tests, experiments, and spacewalks during their six-month stay. The specific details of the spacewalks have not been disclosed yet but may include installing MMOD shields on the station’s exterior and conducting research using a new aquarium.
The Shenzhou spacecraft, inspired by the Russian Soyuz capsule, serves as the means of transportation for the astronauts to and from the Tiangong Space Station. It has been in operation since 1999 and can accommodate up to three astronauts for extended durations in low-Earth orbit. The spacecraft consists of three main modules: the service module, the reentry module, and the orbital module. These modules provide life support, propulsion, power supply, and habitation spaces for the crew.
The Chang Zheng 2F rocket, with a successful flight rate of 100%, was used to launch the Shenzhou-18 mission. The rocket is specifically designed for crewed spaceflight and has a liftoff mass of 464,000 kilograms. It can carry up to 8,400 kilograms to low-Earth orbit. The rocket consists of a center stage and four liquid-fueled boosters. The CZ-2F second stage propels the spacecraft into the necessary orbit for reaching the Tiangong Space Station.
The launch of the Shenzhou-18 mission further highlights China’s commitment to its space exploration program and its aim of establishing a secure and sustainable presence in space. With the successful deployment of crewed missions, China is gradually expanding its capabilities and contributing to the international space community’s scientific endeavors. The ongoing missions and research conducted by the crew aboard the Tiangong Space Station will pave the way for future advancements in space exploration and technology.
