China Manned Space Agency (CMSA)

China: Logos Unveiled for 3 “Socialist” Space Missions in 2025! (20.1.2025)

According to the CMSA, crews for the Shenzhou-20 and Shenzhou-21 missions will consist of three astronauts each. Shenzhou-20 is set to dock with the radial port of the space station’s core module, while Shenzhou-21 will dock with its front port.

The main tasks of the astronauts will include extravehicular activities, cargo outbound deliveries via the station’s cargo airlock module, and the conducting of space science experiments and technology tests.

In the second half of 2025, China plans to launch the Tianzhou-9 cargo spacecraft from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in its southern Hainan Province. This mission will deliver supplies for astronauts, propellants to ensure the space station’s operation, various types of payloads, and more.

China’s manned space station project has entered its application and development stage — with two manned spacecraft missions and one to two cargo missions planned annually.

PRC Reusable Space Shuttle!

China: Greater Efficiency Space Shuttle! (13.11.2024)

A model of the spacecraft will be displayed at the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, which opens on Tuesday in Zhuhai and runs through Sunday.

Currently, China has only one model of cargo spaceship, Tianzhou, which is a product of the China Academy of Space Technology in Beijing. So far, seven Tianzhou vessels have been launched and six of them were used to transport supplies to the Tiangong space station.

Orbiting Earth at a distance of about 400 kilometres, the Chinese space station has three permanent parts — a core module and two science capsules — and is regularly connected to several visiting crew and cargo spaceships.

It has been manned by eight Chinese crews, including the incumbent Shenzhou XIX team. All of the crews’ living and work necessities need to be transported by cargo vessels.

Chinese Cosmonauts Make Successful 7-Hour Space-Walk! (2.9.2022)

Chen and Liu were tasked with using a robotic arm to install new instruments outside Tiangong – adjusting the panoramic camera (and other operations). The two Chinese Cosmonauts were scheduled to stay outside for around seven hours – according to the Agency.

It was the first time Chinese Cosmonauts have used the Wentian Space Lab’s ‘Airlock Cabin’ to make preparations for a successful spacewalk!

Crew members of previous flights used the ‘Airlock Cabin’ on the Tianhe Core Module to support spacewalks.

With this ‘new’ Airlock Cabin – the Tianhe module has become the backup support facility for future spacewalks.