Tiangong space station welcomes Shenzhou 19 for six-month crewed mission

The Shenzhou 19 mission, carrying three crew members to China’s Tiangong space station, launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on October 19. The mission, scheduled to last six months, will involve multiple spacewalks and a series of scientific experiments focused on microgravity and space science.

Commanding the Shenzhou 19 crew is Cai Xuzhe, 48, an experienced astronaut who previously participated in the Shenzhou 14 mission. With 182 days of space experience and multiple spacewalks, Cai brings leadership to the mission as the oldest and most seasoned member.

“My two new teammates were both born in the 1990s. Although there is an age difference, we share the same goal: to serve our country and bring honor while working together,” Cai stated at a press conference before the launch.

Joining him is Song Lingdong, 34, a former Air Force pilot embarking on his first space mission. Song highlighted the mission’s technical tasks, including extravehicular activities (EVAs) to install debris shields, deploy payloads, and conduct equipment recycling.

The team’s third member, Wang Haoze, 34, is China’s first civilian astronaut and a spaceflight engineer. Wang is tasked with leading space experiments, managing materials, and overseeing station operations.

“We have substantial responsibilities in space science and station management. I believe we will accomplish the mission with the commander’s guidance and support from our ground team,” Wang said during the briefing.

Upon docking with Tiangong on October 30, the Shenzhou 19 crew assumed station control from the Shenzhou 18 crew, composed of Ye Guangfu, Li Cong, and Li Guangsu, who arrived in April. The Shenzhou 18 team is scheduled to return to Earth on November 3, landing at Dongfeng near Jiuquan around 17:00 UTC.

According to Lin Xiqiang, spokesperson for the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), astronauts will conduct 86 scientific experiments during the mission.

Shenzhou 19’s primary research areas include space life science, fundamental physics under microgravity, space material science, space medicine, and the development of new space technologies. Specific studies will examine protein crystal growth structures and the behavior of soft matter under non-equilibrium microgravity conditions.

Shenzhou 19 marks the 33rd mission in China’s spaceflight program, encompassing crewed missions, cargo resupply, and Tiangong’s modular expansions. In November, China will launch the Tianzhou 8 cargo spacecraft aboard a Long March 7 rocket from Wenchang, delivering fresh supplies, experimental equipment, and potentially small satellites to Tiangong.

China aims to keep Tiangong permanently staffed and operational for at least a decade, with plans to expand the station with additional modules and develop its commercial potential.

Currently, Tiangong is nearly 20 percent larger than the International Space Station and reflects China’s commitment to establishing a long-term human presence in low Earth orbit.

References:

¹ Shenzhou-19 astronauts enter space station – Xinhua – October 30, 2024

² China launches Shenzhou-19 crewed spaceship – Xinhua – October 30, 2024

³ China launches 3 astronauts to Tiangong space station on Shenzhou 19 mission – Space.com – October 29, 2024