China launches Shenzhou-19 spacecraft to Tiangong station

China's Shenzhou-19 spacecraft was successfully launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northern China at 4:27 a.m. Beijing time, bound for the Tiangong space station.

About 10 minutes after launch, the Shenzhou 19 spacecraft separated from the rocket and entered the designated orbit, beginning its journey to the Tiangong Station. According to the announcement of the commander of the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, all three astronauts on board were in good health and the launch was successful.

The spacecraft will then perform a rapid autonomous rendezvous and docking with the Tiangong space station in about 6.5 hours, forming a combination of three modules and three spacecraft.

The three astronauts on board, Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong and Wang Haoze. Photo: CGTN

The three astronauts on board, Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong and Wang Haoze, will complete one orbit with the Shenzhou-18 trio and stay at the Tiangong space station for six months. Wang Haoze is currently China's only female space engineer and the third Chinese woman to participate in a manned space mission.

During the mission, they will witness the arrival of the Tianzhou-8 cargo ship and the Shenzhou-20 manned spacecraft.

During this mission, the Shenzhou-19 crew will conduct 86 scientific research and space applications, carry out extra-space activities, install anti-space debris protection equipment, and install and recycle extra-spacecraft equipment and payloads. They will also participate in scientific education , public welfare activities and other payload tests.

Shenzhou-19 is expected to return to the Dongfeng landing site in northern China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in late April or early May 2025.

Thanh Huyen