Three Chinese astronauts land successfully after six months in space
China's Shenzhou-19 crewed spacecraft and its three astronauts landed safely in northern China's Inner Mongolia region on Wednesday, concluding a six-month mission aboard the Tiangong space station.The return, originally scheduled for Tuesday, was postponed by a day due to strong winds at the Dongfeng landing site, marking the first time a Chinese crew landed at an alternate section of the site to ensure safety.advertisementThe Shenzhou-19 mission launched on October 29, 2024, carrying commander Cai Xuzhe, spaceflight rookies Song Lingdong and Wang Haoze-China's youngest crew to date, with Song and Wang both born in 1990 and Wang being the country's third woman astronaut and first female spaceflight engineer.Touchdown! Shenzhou-19 has landed in DongFeng. Ground rescue team on the way. https://t.co/ogGowwk4mv pic.twitter.com/iULRkSfVgA— China 'N Asia Spaceflight (@CNSpaceflight) April 30, 2025
All three crew members are part of the Chinese military's air force.During their 180-day stay, the astronauts conducted 86 scientific experiments, including a notable project exposing a brick made from simulated lunar soil to the harsh conditions of space.The results could prove vital for China's ambitions to construct a permanent lunar research station by 2035, as the country aims for a crewed moon landing by 2030.advertisementThe crew also set a new Chinese record for the longest spacewalk, with Cai and Song spending over nine hours outside Tiangong in December to install debris shields and inspect equipment.Shenzhou-19 crew landing soon! pic.twitter.com/GWpLfpZ7Gn— China 'N Asia Spaceflight (@CNSpaceflight) April 30, 2025Before their return, the Shenzhou-19 crew handed over command of the station to the newly arrived Shenzhou-20 team, ensuring continuous human presence aboard Tiangong.China's rapid advances in both crewed and uncrewed spaceflight have drawn international attention, especially as the country expands its space station and prepares for more ambitious lunar missions.
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