The Shenzhou-18 manned spaceship has successfully separated from China’s space station combination, marking the beginning of the crew’s journey back to Earth. According to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), the separation occurred at 16:12 on Sunday, setting the stage for astronauts Ye Guangfu, Li Cong, and Li Guangsu to return home.
Before parting ways with the space station, the Shenzhou-18 crew, with support from ground staff, meticulously completed a series of tasks. These included configuring the space station’s systems, processing and transmitting valuable experimental data, and transferring remaining supplies, ensuring the station’s optimal condition for the incoming crew.
In a seamless transition, the Shenzhou-18 astronauts conducted a handover with the Shenzhou-19 crew, who were launched into orbit on October 30. The Shenzhou-19 mission brings astronauts Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong, and Wang Haoze aboard the station for a new six-month expedition, continuing China’s ambitious space exploration endeavors.
Currently, the Shenzhou-18 spacecraft is autonomously orbiting Earth at an altitude of approximately 390 kilometers. It is scheduled to circle the planet five times over the next 7.5 hours before initiating its descent. This mission continues to utilize the “rapid return mode” first implemented during the Shenzhou-13 mission, allowing for a swift and efficient re-entry process.
Upon departing the space station, the Shenzhou-18 will undergo a series of maneuvers: braking to de-orbit, free gliding through space, re-entering Earth’s atmosphere, and ultimately landing softly with the aid of parachutes. The entire journey from de-orbiting to touchdown is expected to take about 50 minutes.
The CMSA reports that all astronauts are in good health, and the spacecraft is functioning normally. Return procedures are proceeding smoothly, and the world watches eagerly as Ye Guangfu, Li Cong, and Li Guangsu make their way back to Earth after their significant contributions to space exploration.
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China's Shenzhou-18 separates from space station combination
cgtn.com
