China Launches Shenzhou-19, Sending Three Astronauts to Space Station
Experiment with simulated lunar soil bricks paves way for planned lunar base by 2035.
China has successfully launched the Shenzhou-19 spacecraft, sending three astronauts to its permanent space station.
Scheduled for October 30, the mission will carry out 86 scientific experiments spanning areas like space life sciences, microgravity physics, and materials research.
A notable experiment involves testing bricks made from simulated lunar soil, which could play a key role in constructing a permanent lunar research base by 2035.
Launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre at 4:27 a.m. local time, the bricks will be delivered via an uncrewed mission next month.
This latest crewed mission reflects China’s rapidly advancing space program, which has seen increased activity since the completion of the Tiangong space station in November 2022.
The Shenzhou-19 crew includes two astronauts on their first space journey, led by mission commander Cai Yuzhe, who previously worked on the construction of the Tiangong station. All crew members are part of China’s military air force.
With plans for a manned moon landing by 2030, the astronauts symbolize a new generation of space explorers, trained for future lunar missions involving lunar rover operations and geological research.
Follow us on our social media platforms here: Twitter WHATSAPP CHANNEL FACEBOOK PAGE
