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China Launches Three Astronauts to Tiangong Space Station for Crew Replacement Mission

Space

Business Honor
29 April, 2025

Shenzhou 20 mission strengthens China’s space program, with plans for lunar exploration.

China successfully sent three astronauts to space to take the place of the existing crew on board its Tiangong space station. The mission is another key milestone for China's expanding space ambitions, including a lunar crewed mission and subsequent Mars missions.

The Shenzhou 20 spacecraft launched from the Jiuquan launch site in northwestern China at 5:17 p.m. local time. The spacecraft, launched on the Long March 2F rocket, will arrive at the Tiangong space station around 6.5 hours after launching. The astronauts on Shenzhou 20 will remain on the station for around six months, carrying out a range of scientific experiments and spacewalks to service and upgrade equipment.

The Tiangong space station, which is also referred to as the "Heavenly Palace," is a symbol of China's increased space capability. The station was entirely built by China after it was shut out from contributing to the International Space Station based on the issues raised by the United States. China's space program, run by the People's Liberation Army, keeps on moving forward steadily, with previous achievements such as sending an explorer to Mars and a rover to the far side of the moon.

This flight, led by Chen Dong, is his third to space. He will be joined by fighter pilot Chen Zhongrui and engineer Wang Jie. This is the first all-male crew to travel to the Tiangong station, with the present crew scheduled to return following a 175-day mission.

The Tiangong station has a capacity for six astronauts, and it's anticipated to form a central element in China's long-term plans for space travel. The space travelers will perform experiments in disciplines such as medicine and emerging technology as well as their stay onboard.