BEIJING, Nov 4: The crew of Shenzhou-18, consisting of three Chinese astronauts, successfully returned to Earth early Monday after completing a 192-day mission at the Tiangong space station, one of China’s longest manned space missions to date.
The spacecraft’s return capsule, carrying astronauts Ye Guangfu, Li Cong, and Li Guangsu, landed at the Dongfeng site in Inner Mongolia at 1:24 a.m. (Beijing Time), with all crew members safely exiting the capsule by 2:15 a.m., as reported by the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).
Mission commander Ye Guangfu made history by becoming the first Chinese astronaut to accumulate over a year in space, having previously participated in the Shenzhou-13 mission. He expressed pride in the mission’s achievements and anticipated that future missions would set even longer duration records.
Launched on April 25, the Shenzhou-18 mission involved extensive scientific research in areas such as microgravity physics, space life sciences, and technology. The crew successfully replaced key experimental components and underwent training for spacecraft rendezvous and docking.
The astronauts completed two spacewalks, with their first outing in May setting a record duration of eight-and-a-half hours. During these extravehicular activities, they installed devices to protect against space debris and conducted maintenance tasks.
Additionally, the crew engaged in emergency decision-making research, allowing scientists on the ground to study how factors such as workload and emotional state impact cognitive functions in space. They also conducted regular medical check-ups, including monitoring heart rates and blood pressure.
In a unique biological experiment, the astronauts created a space “aquarium” containing zebrafish and algae to observe their behaviors in microgravity. They noted unusual swimming patterns, such as upside-down movements, which will be analyzed on Earth to better understand vertebrate development in space.
The crew also cultivated cherry tomatoes and lettuce in a “space garden,” providing fresh vegetables during their mission. Astronaut Li highlighted the positive impact of these plants on their well-being amidst their demanding work.
Looking to the future, China’s manned space program plans to launch the Shenzhou-20 and Shenzhou-21 missions in 2025, along with the Tianzhou-9 cargo spacecraft to ensure continued support for the Tiangong station.
