After six months orbiting Earth, the crew of China's Shenzhou-18 mission made their significant return to Earth early on November 4, 2024. The astronauts—Ye Guangfu, Li Cong, and Li Guangsu—touched down at the China Manned Space Agency's Dongfeng landing site located in Inner Mongolia, just after midnight local time, as announced by the agency. Their mission marks another milestone for China’s growing dominance in space exploration as it aims to establish itself as a formidable player on the global stage.
The Shenzhou-18 spacecraft launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on April 25, 2024, and successfully docked with Tiangong, China’s first modular space station. During their time aboard, the astronauts participated in various research projects, contributing to both national and international space science advances.
This mission had its unique milestones, with Ye Guangfu becoming the first Chinese astronaut to surpass one year of cumulative space flight time. The trio of taikonauts spent 192 days on the Tiangong space station, during which they completed two spacewalks, setting national records for the duration spent outside the station. Their primary tasks included the installation of devices meant to protect the station from potential space debris.
The Shenzhou-18 crew’s activities were not solely focused on their exit from the station. They successfully conducted numerous scientific experiments across various fields, including microgravity physics, space materials science, and aerospace medicine. Among their notable projects was the study of space fiber lasers and the development of extraterrestrial materials—essential for future explorations and possible long-term human habitation beyond Earth.
Upon their return, the astronauts underwent initial medical evaluations, which confirmed they were healthy post-mission. The return capsule's descent was aided by parachutes, ensuring their safe landing. A Chinese national flag planted at the landing site fluttered proudly as the astronauts emerged from the capsule. Crewmates were met by on-site medical personnel and representatives from the China Manned Space Agency, who quickly assessed their health following the lengthy stay aboard the space station.
Back on the ground, the astronauts traveled to Beijing later the same day to begin their transition back to normal life, including medical quarantine and health checks. According to the China Global Television Network (CGTN), the crew will meet the press after undergoing comprehensive evaluations.
Prior to the Shenzhou-18 crew's return, they shared the Tiangong station with the newly arrived crew from Shenzhou-19, allowing for smooth operations and continuity of research aboard the space station. With plans for continued expansion, including adding more modules and equipment like the proposed "Hubble-class" space telescope, the Tiangong mission is poised for even more significant contributions to the field of space science.
China’s ambitions don't stop here. The Tiangong space station, operational since 2021 and approximately 20% the size of the International Space Station, aims to strengthen its capability as a research outpost for many scientific endeavors. The CMSA announced plans to include international collaboration, opening possibilities for astronauts from other nations to partake in missions as well.
China’s recent achievements extend past Shenzhou-18. The nation has brought back lunar rocks, completed successful Mars rover missions, and now aims to send humans to the Moon by 2030. This would position China as the second country to achieve such a feat, following the US's Apollo program.
The interest interned by the Shenzhou-18 mission is part of China’s broader vision to emerge as a leader in space exploration and research by 2050. With many ambitious projects on the horizon, the world watches as China makes significant strides, building upon its rich history of rapidly advancing technological expertise, with space exploration at the forefront.
