China is preparing for its next big step in space. A new team of astronauts is set to launch on Thursday evening as part of China’s New Spaceflight initiative. The mission will lift off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, which is located on the edge of the Gobi Desert in northwestern China. The new space mission is called Shenzhou 20. It marks another chapter in China’s fast-growing space program. The announcement came on Wednesday, just one day before the launch. This mission is important because it continues China’s goal of maintaining a permanent presence in space.
The Shenzhou 20 Crew Features a Space Veteran
The crew for Shenzhou 20 includes three astronauts. Chen Dong, a space veteran, will lead the team. He has already flown on two missions before—Shenzhou 11 and Shenzhou 14. During his last mission, he played a big role in building the Chinese space station. Chen Dong says he feels proud to return to space. His experience makes him a strong leader for this flight. The two other astronauts are Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie. This will be their first time in space. Chen Zhongrui used to be a pilot in the Chinese air force. Wang Jie works as an engineer at the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. Both are well-trained and ready for this mission, which is another milestone in China’s New Spaceflight efforts.
New Team Will Take Over from Current Space Crew
The new crew will replace three astronauts who have been on the Chinese space station since October last year. That team has spent 175 days in space. They are scheduled to return to Earth on April 29. The handover ensures the space station stays fully active with no downtime. The Shenzhou 20 astronauts are expected to remain in orbit for about six months, continuing the goals set by China’s New Spaceflight missions. During that time, they will live and work inside the space station, continuing China’s long-term mission goals.
Crew Will Perform Spacewalks and Science Experiments
Once in space, the crew has many tasks to complete. They will carry out important scientific research. The main focus will be on space medicine and new space technology. These studies could help future deep-space missions. The astronauts will also perform spacewalks. These trips outside the station are needed to inspect and upgrade equipment as part of China’s New Spaceflight program. The team will also improve parts of the station, helping it run more smoothly. Their work will add to China’s growing knowledge of long-term space living.
China Built Its Own Station After Being Shut Out of the ISS
China built its own space station after being excluded from the International Space Station. The U.S. barred China from joining because of national security concerns. The Chinese space program is run by the People’s Liberation Army, which is part of the ruling Communist Party. As a result, China created its own path in space exploration. It developed and launched its own space station, which now orbits Earth. The country has become more independent and confident in its space missions. It now sends regular crews and continues to expand its station’s capabilities, all under the umbrella of China’s New Spaceflight program.
China Aims to Reach the Moon Before the End of the Decade
In recent years, China’s space program has made fast progress. It has already sent a rover to Mars. It has landed a probe on the far side of the moon. These major achievements show how far the country has come in a short time. Now, China has an even bigger goal. It wants to send humans to the moon before 2030 as part of China’s New Spaceflight vision. This would be a major step forward in the global space race. It would also put China on the same level as the United States when it comes to space exploration.
Crew Rotation Keeps the Station Running Without Pause
China’s space program is now able to handle continuous missions. When one crew returns, another is ready to take over. This steady rotation keeps the space station active all year long. The astronauts now returning to Earth will have completed nearly six months in space. Their successful mission helped prepare the station for the new team. The handover between crews shows how China is building a reliable space system. It’s a sign of serious progress in China’s New Spaceflight endeavors.
China and the U.S. May Be Entering a New Space Race
Many experts say that a new space race may have already begun. This time, the main players are China and the United States. Both countries are investing in space missions. Both want to return to the moon. China’s goal of landing a person there by 2030 could be a game-changer in China’s New Spaceflight plan. The U.S. also has plans to return to the moon under NASA’s Artemis program. As both sides push forward, space exploration could become a new area of global competition.
