Beijing, China — The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) has announced that the Shenzhou-20 crewed mission will be launched at 5:17 p.m. on April 24 from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China. This mission marks a significant milestone in China’s ongoing space exploration efforts.
Following its launch, the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft will enter orbit and is expected to perform an automated rendezvous and docking with the radial port of the Tianhe core module approximately 6.5 hours later. This docking will create a combination of three spacecraft and three modules, enhancing operational capabilities aboard the Chinese space station.
The Shenzhou-20 mission represents the fifth crewed flight during the application and development phase of the China Space Station and the 35th flight in the country’s crewed space program to date. The primary objectives of this mission include completing an in-orbit crew rotation with the Shenzhou-19 crew and maintaining a presence aboard the space station for about six months.
During their time in orbit, the Shenzhou-20 crew will conduct various activities, including space science and application experiments, spacewalks, cargo transfer tasks, and the installation of debris protection devices. They will also be responsible for the installation and retrieval of external payloads and equipment.
Additionally, the Shenzhou-20 mission will involve receiving the Tianzhou-9 cargo spacecraft and the upcoming Shenzhou-21 crewed spacecraft. The crew of Shenzhou-20 is expected to return to Earth in late October 2025.
Following the completion of the crew rotation with Shenzhou-20, the Shenzhou-19 astronauts are scheduled to return to the Dongfeng landing site on April 29, according to the CMSA.
This upcoming mission underscores China’s commitment to expanding its presence in space and advancing its capabilities in crewed space exploration.
