China is preparing for another space mission success as the Shenzhou-21 crewed spacecraft readies for launch. The event will take place at 11:44 p.m. Friday (Beijing Time) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Northwest China. This mission marks the sixth crewed flight in the Tiangong space station’s development phase and the 37th mission under China’s manned space program.
According to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), the Shenzhou-21 team will rotate with the Shenzhou-20 crew already in orbit. The astronauts—Commander Zhang Lu, Flight Engineer Wu Fei, and Payload Specialist Zhang Hongzhang—will live aboard the Tiangong space station for six months.
This mission features Zhang Lu’s return to orbit after two years. Wu Fei and Zhang Hongzhang, both from China’s third astronaut group, will make their first spaceflights. Wu Fei will also become the youngest Chinese astronaut ever to join a space mission.
The space mission success goes beyond a simple crew exchange. The team will perform spacewalks, transfer cargo, and install debris shields. They will also handle external payloads, manage science experiments, and take part in public education activities.
During their stay, the crew will complete 27 scientific and application projects. These studies will focus on life sciences, biotechnology, and aerospace medicine. For the first time, four mice—two male and two female—will travel with the spacecraft. Researchers will observe how microgravity affects behavior and organ adaptation. After returning, scientists will analyze biological responses to the space environment.
The crew will also explore the origins of genetic codes and molecular chirality. Additionally, they will study lithium-ion batteries using electrochemical and optical analysis. These experiments will help improve safety and efficiency for future missions.
CMSA confirmed that the Shenzhou-20 crew has been in orbit for 188 days. Commander Chen Dong has now logged more than 400 total days in space. He has also completed six spacewalks, the most by any Chinese astronaut.
This latest space mission success highlights China’s expanding strength in space exploration. As the Tiangong program advances, China continues to set new milestones in human spaceflight. The Shenzhou-21 mission reinforces the nation’s long-term goal of deeper space exploration and greater scientific achievement.
