As of the latest Shenzhou-18 news, the Shenzhou-18 mission launched on April 25, 2024 from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi Desert. The crew, consisting of Ye Guangfu, Li Cong and Li Guangsu, docked with Tiangong space station approximately six and a half hours after lift-off.
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The Shenzhou-18 mission’s objectives centered on scientific experimentation, technological maintenance and conducting spacewalks.
Astronauts performed extensive research including studies on ancient microbes, to expand knowledge of biological processes in microgravity.
The crew aimed to continue building and enhancing the station’s infrastructure and capabilities, with tasks such as installing protective shielding to defend against space debris.
The Shenzhou-18 crew conducted studies on ancient microbes. Experiments were also conducted on health and biological systems to better understand human physiology under microgravity conditions, advancing China’s preparation for future deep-space missions.
The crew captured imagery of Earth from space including landmarks like the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center and the Wenchang spaceport.
In May 2024, the Shenzhou-18 crew carried out their first spacewalk, achieving a new national record for duration outside the station.
Another spacewalk was completed in June to install and test additional protective shielding, a critical task to safeguard the station from hazards in orbit.
These spacewalks showcased China’s growing competence in extravehicular activities, which are essential for future missions including planned lunar and Mars exploration.
As of the latest Shenzhou-18 news, Commander Ye Guangfu became the first Chinese astronaut to surpass 365 days in space, a milestone including his time on both Shenzhou-13 and Shenzhou-18 missions.
On October 30, the Shenzhou-18 crew welcomed their replacements, the Shenzhou-19 crew, the fifth in-orbit handover of the Tiangong space station.
Commander Cai Xuzhe took over command of the space station from Ye Guangfu in a formal handover ceremony on November 1.
With the arrival of Shenzhou-19, China briefly had six astronauts aboard Tiangong, showing the nation’s capacity for sustained operations in space.
The Shenzhou-18 crew returned to Earth on November 3, 2024, touching down at the Dongfeng landing site in Inner Mongolia at approximately 12:24 p.m. EST.
The nighttime landing was the second such event at Dongfeng, where search and rescue teams used infrared thermal imaging to track the capsule’s descent and landing.
As with previous missions, small rocket motors fired just before touchdown to soften the impact, ensuring a safe return for the astronauts.
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As of the latest Shenzhou-18 news, Shenzhou-18 utilized cutting-edge facilities like scientific experiment cabinets, combustion experiment cabinets and extravehicular payloads to advance material science, space medicine and biotechnology.
The team conducted fluid physics experiments and combustion science trials, changing gas burners and replacing experimental samples for research.
Shenzhou-18 News underlined the mission’s molecular research, where the crew examined the origins of proteins and nucleic acids.
During their spacewalks, the Shenzhou-18 astronauts focused on enhancing safety by installing protective devices on external cables and pipelines across multiple modules including Wentian and Tianhe.
The astronauts engaged in advanced cognitive training exercises to enhance image recognition and operational skills, crucial for effective decision-making in the demanding conditions of space.
The crew conducted simulated emergency exercises, focusing on cognitive assessments such as risk perception and decision-making, which were analyzed to evaluate the influence of emotional and physical stressors.
Medical exams were routinely conducted to monitor the astronauts’ vital health indicators including heart rate and blood pressure.
Shenzhou-18 News reports that astronauts maintained their physical health through regular exercise, an essential practice to tackle the effects of weightlessness on the body.
Observations of zebrafish swimming behavior under microgravity offered new insights into animal orientation and balance systems in space. This experiment will help scientists understand material cycles in closed ecosystems.
The successful cultivation of lettuce and tomatoes represented a first for Chinese astronauts and laid the groundwork for sustainable space farming.
Research on plant stem cell function and gene expression in space conditions could lead to crop varieties better suited for extraterrestrial environments.
The crew prepared the space garden for the Shenzhou-19 team, ensuring a transition and continuity in plant research.
As the mission wound down in late October, the astronauts focused on tasks such as data transmission, equipment checks and inventory of remaining supplies.
On November 3, the Shenzhou-18 spacecraft separated from the space station, the official end of its operational phase.
Shenzhou-18’s return capsule landed safely at the Dongfeng Landing Site in Inner Mongolia at 1:24 a.m. on November 4.
Ye Guangfu’s cumulative time in space exceeded one year, making him the first Chinese astronaut to achieve this milestone. All crew members were reported to be in excellent health following their 192-day space journey.
As of the latest Shenzhou-18 news, the China Manned Space Agency plans to launch the Shenzhou-20 and Shenzhou-21 missions in 2025, alongside the Tianzhou-9 cargo mission to enhance the space station’s capabilities.
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