China's Shenzhou-19 mission crew is set to return to Earth around May 1, concluding a landmark 150-day stay aboard the China Space Station, state media reported. The three-member team, consisting of taikonauts Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong, and Wang Haoze, has conducted over a dozen scientific experiments and technical validations, contributing to advancements in space medicine, materials science, and orbital station operations.
Launched on October 30, 2024, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China via a Long March-2F carrier rocket, the mission marks China's longest continuous crewed spaceflight to date. The crew's work included testing next-generation life support systems and preparing the station for future international collaboration projects.
Upon return, the team will undergo post-mission health monitoring and participate in data analysis. The successful operation reinforces China's growing capabilities in human space exploration, with future missions expected to support lunar exploration goals announced under the country's space program roadmap.
