China launches Shenzhou spacecraft carrying first civilian astronauts to space station

The Long March 2F rocket was launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi Desert, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region at 9:31 a.m. on May 30 (local time), according to Xinhua News Agency. The rocket carried the Shenzhou 16 spacecraft and three astronauts to the Tiangong space station.

Trung Quốc phóng phi thuyền đưa phi hành gia dân sự đầu tiên lên trạm không gian - Ảnh 1. — The Truong Chinh 2F rocket was launched on the morning of May 30.

The launch was described as a complete success and the astronauts were in good condition. The mission commander was Geng Haipeng, who was on his fourth spacewalk. The other two were engineer Zhu Yangzhu and professor Gui Haichao of Beihang University (formerly Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics).

Mr. Gui is China's first civilian astronaut. This group of astronauts will stay in the space station for five months. The Shenzhou 15 mission crew has been there for half a year and is preparing to return to Earth in a few days.

Astronauts will conduct large-scale in-orbit experiments on new quantum phenomena, high-precision space-time frequency systems, verification of general relativity, and the origin of life.

The Tiangong space station was resupplied with drinking water, clothing, food and fuel this month, ahead of the launch of the Shenzhou 16 spacecraft, according to AFP.

The Tiangong space station plays a key role in China's space program. Its final module successfully docked with the main structure last year.

The space station is expected to stay in low Earth orbit (400-450 km above Earth) for at least 10 years. Three-person crews will be sent up in succession to replace it.

China sends astronaut to 'Heavenly Palace' in historic mission

China, which has been excluded from the International Space Station (ISS) since 2011, has been working to develop its own space station. It has said it is seeking international cooperation on the project and welcomes foreign astronauts to join missions to the Tiangong space station. The Shenzhou 17 mission is scheduled to launch in October. China plans to conduct two such missions each year.

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