China's Space Ambitions: Launching New Crew on 10th Space Day

China's Astronaut Launch on Space Day

Beijing: On Thursday, China is set to send three astronauts to its space station, coinciding with the celebration of its 10th Space Day. This announcement was made on Wednesday.

The Shenzhou-20 spacecraft is slated for launch at 5:17 PM local time from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre located in northwest China, as reported by Lin Xiqiang, a spokesperson for the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).

The mission will transport astronauts Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie, with Chen Dong taking the lead as commander.

During their stay, the crew will engage in groundbreaking life science experiments involving zebrafish, planarians, and streptomyces, according to Lin.

Notably, this mission will mark the first time China conducts space-based research on the regeneration capabilities of planarians, a new organism introduced to the space station, renowned for its remarkable ability to regenerate organs.

Lin emphasized, "This project aims to deepen our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of regeneration at the individual level, potentially offering insights into human health issues arising from space-related injuries."

The launch coincides with China's 10th Space Day, which was established in 2016 to commemorate the successful deployment of its first satellite, Dongfanghong-1, on April 24, 1970.

Shenzhou-20 represents the 35th mission in China's manned space program and the fifth crewed operation during the development phase of its space station.

The astronauts are expected to return to the Dongfeng landing site in northern China by late October this year.

China rotates its three-member crew on the Tiangong space station every six months.

Following the arrival of the new crew, the current members are anticipated to return to Earth on April 29.

China established its space station after being excluded from the International Space Station (ISS) due to concerns regarding the military involvement of its space program, specifically the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

Currently, China stands as the only nation with an operational space station, while the ISS is a collaborative effort among multiple countries.

Experts suggest that China's space station may become the sole one in orbit once the ISS is decommissioned in the coming years.

The station's two robotic arms, particularly the longer one capable of capturing objects like satellites from space, have raised international concerns.