China launches Shenzhou-21 mission sending new crew to Tiangong space station

China has successfully sent its tenth crew to the Tiangong space station, marking the 16th crewed mission in the Shenzhou program, which has maintained a continuous human presence in orbit since June 2021. The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) revealed the identities of the three taikonauts a day ahead of the launch. The Shenzhou-21 mission is led by Commander Zhang Lu, who previously participated in the Shenzhou-15 mission nearly three years ago.

Joining Zhang are Flight Engineer Wu Fei, now the youngest taikonaut at the age of 32, and Payload Specialist Zhang Hongzhang, who specializes in new energy research. During their mission, they will conduct 27 experiments, including an unprecedented study involving four rodents to understand the impacts of microgravity and confined environments on these mammals. The animals are expected to return to Earth with the crew from Shenzhou-20.

Shenzhou-21 lifted off aboard a Chang Zheng 2F/G rocket on October 31 at 11:44 PM China Standard Time from Site 901 at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Gansu Province. This launch site is reserved for missions using this particular rocket configuration, which has been operational since 1999 and is the only crew-rated vehicle in China’s space fleet. The rocket stands about 58 meters tall and is equipped with four boosters that produce approximately 6.5 meganewtons of thrust.

The taikonauts participated in a ceremonial send-off before their departure, saluting both the national flag and military officials, reflecting a tradition that dates back to the Shenzhou-5 mission in 2003. After a motorcade ride to the launch pad, the crew began the process of entering the spacecraft, which is designed for three occupants but offers more internal space than its Russian counterpart, the Soyuz. Upgrades to their suits have improved functionality and comfort, allowing for better integration with the spacecraft’s systems.

Following a streamlined launch procedure, the Shenzhou spacecraft is set to rendezvous with the Tiangong station in about three and a half hours, a significant reduction from previous missions. Onboard, the crew will take over from the Shenzhou-20 personnel, who will have been stationed there for approximately 190 days, conducting around 60 experiments related to biological adaptation in microgravity.

The six taikonauts will spend about a week together before the returning crew’s landing, which is scheduled between November 3 and 9, with the anticipated landing planned for November 5. The new team will remain on the Tiangong station for a six-month mission and may use upgraded extravehicular suits that have been prepared for upcoming tasks.