Shenzhou-19 Astronauts Arrive at Launch Site | China Space Station

Shenzhou-19 Astronauts Arrive at Launch Site | China Space Station

The three astronauts of the Shenzhou-19 crewed spaceflight mission arrived at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China after a send-off ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2024 (Beijing Time) ready to board the spacecraft for a scheduled liftoff to the Tiangong space station.

The spacecraft, atop a Long March-2F carrier rocket, later blasted off at 4:27 a.m. from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, said the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).

Cai Xuzhe, the mission commander, and crew members Song Lingdong and Wang Haoze all expressed confidence in carrying out their mission aboard China's Tiangong space station.

After entering orbit, the Shenzhou-19 spacecraft will perform a fast, automated rendezvous and docking with the front port of the space station core module Tianhe in about 6.5 hours, forming a combination of three modules and three spacecraft, according to the China Manned Space Agency.

The three astronauts will complete an in-orbit rotation with the Shenzhou-18 trio and stay at the Tiangong space station for approximately six months.

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

The new crew will have numerous tasks to complete, including conducting 86 space science research and technology experiments, performing extravehicular activities, installing protective devices against space debris, and installing and recycling extravehicular payloads and equipment. They will also engage in science education, public welfare activities, and other payload tests.

Shenzhou-19 is the 33rd flight mission of China's crewed space program and the fourth crewed mission during the application and development stage of China's space station.

Shenzhou-19 Crew:

Cai Xuzhe (commander)

Wang Haoze (mission specialist)

Song Lingdong (mission specialist)

Video Credit: CCTV

Duration: 2 minutes, 42 seconds

Release Date: Oct. 29, 2024

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