China’s ambitious space program continues to set new records as it readies the Shenzhou-19 mission to the Tiangong space station, featuring its first female spaceflight engineer. Scheduled for launch at 4:27 am local time on Wednesday from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre, the mission highlights China’s goals to place astronauts on the Moon by 2030 and eventually construct a lunar base. The three-person crew will carry out scientific experiments and space-station maintenance during their six-month mission.
China’s Only Woman Spaceflight Engineer Joins the Crew
Among the crew is Wang Haoze, a 34-year-old spaceflight engineer who is the only woman currently in this role in China’s space program. Wang’s participation marks a significant step, making her the third Chinese woman to take part in a crewed mission. Speaking at a media gathering on Tuesday, Wang expressed her excitement about the journey, sharing her dreams of visiting the station and completing her tasks with precision. “Like everyone else, I dream of going to the space station to have a look,” she said, adding her hopes of “traveling in deep space and waving at the stars.”
Read More: Tim Cook visits China again—Can Apple win back its throne
Wang’s role in the mission reflects broader strides for women in China’s space endeavors, symbolizing a breakthrough in gender diversity within a typically male-dominated field.
Experienced Leader and Key Objectives
Cai Xuzhe, a 48-year-old former air force pilot, leads the crew on this mission. Cai previously served aboard the Tiangong space station as part of the Shenzhou-14 mission in 2022, making him a veteran astronaut familiar with the space station’s operations. Addressing reporters, Cai said, “Having been selected for the new crew, taking on a new role, facing new tasks and new challenges, I feel the honour of my mission with a great responsibility.” He emphasized the team’s readiness, noting that they are “fully prepared mentally, technically, physically, and psychologically” for the mission ahead.
Joining Cai and Wang is 34-year-old Song Lingdong, completing the crew lineup. The mission represents a blend of experienced leadership and new talent, aligned with China’s vision of a comprehensive space program.
Scientific Goals: Preparing for the Moon
The Shenzhou-19 team will conduct various experiments to advance China’s ambitious lunar objectives. As part of the upcoming mission, the astronauts will perform tests on bricks made from simulated lunar soil, which will arrive on the Tianzhou-8 cargo ship in November. These materials will undergo rigorous assessments under the extreme conditions of space, including intense radiation, varying gravitational forces, and temperature shifts. China’s scientists hope to develop techniques that allow them to use lunar soil in building materials, which could reduce the need to transport supplies from Earth for a future lunar base.
The Chinese government has dedicated significant resources to its space program, with milestones that include landing robotic rovers on the Moon and Mars. Under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, these achievements have fueled China’s “space dream,” part of a long-term strategy to secure a leading role in space exploration.
Handover and Return Timelines
The current crew aboard the Tiangong space station will complete handover procedures with the Shenzhou-19 astronauts before returning to Earth on November 4, ensuring a smooth transition. Lin Xiqiang, Deputy Director of the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), confirmed that the Shenzhou-19 crew would return to Earth in “late April or early May next year,” marking the end of their six-month mission.
Read More: China’s Deep Blue Aerospace faces setback in rocket landing
China’s Tiangong station is designed for rotating teams of three astronauts every six months, allowing for continuous research and station upkeep. This rotation emphasizes China’s commitment to building a sustainable space station and positions the Tiangong station as a central platform for future exploration missions.