China’s Shenzhou-18 crewed spaceship, carrying astronauts Ye Guangfu, Li Cong, and Li Guangsu, embarked on a mission to the Tiangong space station on Thursday. Launched at 6:29 pm IST, this mission marks the country’s 13th crewed spaceflight and the sixth visit to China’s independently built Tiangong station. During their mission, the Shenzhou-18 crew will undertake a range of experiments in fields such as physics, material science, and life sciences, aiming to enhance our understanding of microgravity phenomena and technological innovations. Notably, they will conduct multiple spacewalks to install protective reinforcements for vital equipment and deliver crucial cargo to the station. The mission will also pioneer China’s first in-orbit aquatic ecological research program, focusing on establishing a self-sustainable aquatic ecosystem using zebrafish and goldfish algae. This groundbreaking initiative aims to breed vertebrates in space, pushing the boundaries of scientific understanding and paving the way for future space habitats. Furthermore, the crew will conduct the world’s first in-orbit study on plant tip stem cells, exploring the mechanisms of plant evolutionary adaptation to gravity. This research holds immense significance for advancing our understanding of plant biology and cultivation techniques in space, laying the groundwork for sustainable space agriculture and long-duration space missions.
China Launches Three Astronauts to Tiangong Space Station
