China marked another milestone in its space exploration program as the Shenzhou-21 spacecraft launched successfully from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center at 11:44 pm Beijing Time on October 31. The mission carries three astronauts – Commander Zhang Lu, Wu Fei, and Zhang Hongzhang – who will spend six months conducting experiments aboard the Tianhe core module of China's orbiting space station.
The Long March-2F carrier rocket completed a textbook launch, with the spacecraft achieving automated docking with the Tianhe module just 3.5 hours after liftoff. This critical maneuver creates a temporary three-module, three-spacecraft configuration in low Earth orbit, demonstrating China's growing technical prowess in orbital operations.
As the 37th flight mission of China's manned space program, Shenzhou-21 represents continued progress toward completing the Tiangong space station. The crew's extended stay will focus on testing life support systems, conducting microgravity research, and preparing the station for future international collaborations.
Space program observers note this mission underscores China's ambitions in long-duration space habitation – crucial technology for potential lunar bases and deep space exploration. With this launch, China maintains its position as the only nation currently operating a permanently crewed space station.
