China’s Shenzhou-19 Returns Safely After Delay, Lands in Northern Region
HONG KONG: After being postponed for a day due to unfavorable weather at the designated landing zone, China’s Shenzhou-19 crewed spacecraft successfully landed in the northern part of the country on Wednesday, according to state media outlet CCTV.
The mission launched in October of last year, carrying three astronauts to China’s Tiangong space station, which is now permanently inhabited.
For more than 20 years, Shenzhou missions have been a core component of China’s space ambitions. Their frequency has increased notably since the official completion of the Tiangong station in November 2022.
China’s rapid progress in both human and robotic space exploration has drawn attention and concern from the United States, which continues to face challenges with its own manned space programs.
The long-term goal of the Chinese space agency includes sending astronauts to the Moon by 2030.
The Shenzhou-19 team included two male astronauts, aged 48 and 34, and a female astronaut aged 35—China’s third woman in space. It was the maiden voyage for the two younger crew members. All three astronauts are affiliated with China’s air force.
During their mission, the team carried out a range of scientific experiments, some of which were focused on the future development of extraterrestrial habitats. One experiment involved testing how bricks made from simulated lunar soil react to space conditions. If successful, these materials could be essential for building a permanent lunar research base, which China hopes to complete by 2035.
Each Shenzhou mission typically includes a trio of astronauts who spend about six months in orbit. There is also a short transition period where the outgoing crew hands over the station to the incoming team, ensuring uninterrupted operation.
