China’s Shenzhou-17 crew is set to return to Earth on April 30, landing at the Dongfeng site in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, as announced by the China Manned Space Agency on Wednesday.
During their mission, the Shenzhou-17 astronauts conducted 84 in-orbit experiments and tests, generating over 200 samples across various fields including space life science and biotechnology, space medicine, and space material science. These samples, which will accompany the crew back to Earth, are anticipated to contribute significantly to scientific advancements after detailed studies.
In a milestone achievement, the crew addressed a partial power loss incident caused by space debris damaging the cable of the Tianhe core module’s solar panels. They performed two extravehicular activities, marking China’s first-ever extravehicular repair mission, showcasing the nation’s growing capabilities in space exploration and maintenance.
Before their return, the Shenzhou-17 crew will complete an in-orbit handover with the incoming Shenzhou-18 astronauts, ensuring the continuous operation of China’s space station and the ongoing progression of its ambitious space objectives.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
