Image source: topwar.ru
The Chinese manned spacecraft Shenzhou-18, which was launched from the Jiuquan cosmodrome in Gansu Province in the northwestern part of China, successfully entered Earth orbit. Shenzhou-18 will deliver a crew of three taikonauts to the Chinese Tiangong orbital station, the assembly of the basic configuration of which was completed in 2022.
The launch of the Changzheng-2F launch vehicle, with which the ship was launched into low-Earth orbit, took place at 20.59 local time (15.59 Moscow time). Docking with the Tiangong station, according to the plan, should take place about five to six hours after launch.
Image source: topwar.ru
Image source: topwar.ru
The Shenzhou-18 mission, which will last six months, was led by Ye Guangfu, who was previously a member of the Shenzhou-13 crew. Two more crew members are also taking part in the mission, for whom this space flight will be the first in their careers.
The Taikonauts plan to conduct a series of experiments and scientific research at the orbital station, including in the field of biology and medicine, in addition, a spacewalk is planned, during which work will be carried out to install various equipment, including those designed to protect Tiangong from space debris. The return of the mission participants to Earth is scheduled for October this year.
By the end of the year, China plans to launch another Shenzhou-19 spacecraft.