“China Successfully Launches new mission to Tiangong Space Station”

China’s space program took another step on Thursday as a fresh crew begin a mission to the Tiangong space station.

China’s progressive space program achieved another turning point  as the Shenzhou-17 spacecraft, also known as the “Divine Vessel,” launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre on Thursday. This mission is part of China’s broader plan to send astronauts to the Moon by 2030.

The three-astronaut crew, with an average age of just 38, received a patriotic farewell from hundreds of supporters. The crew members include Tang Hongbo, who is returning to the space station for his second mission, and newcomers Tang Shengjie and Jiang Xinlin, both in their thirties.During their six-month mission, the crew will perform a range of in-orbit space science experiments and tests. In addition to these experiments, the crew will undertake maintenance work on the space station to address “minor damages” caused by space debris. 

China’s ongoing efforts in space exploration continue to make headlines, and the successful launch of Shenzhou-17 exemplifies their commitment to becoming a key player in space exploration on the global stage.

Image source: https://www.theweek.in/news/world/2022/06/05/china-successfully-launches-crewed-mission-to-complete-space-station-construction.html