The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) on Tuesday disclosed the main tasks of the Shenzhou-19 manned spaceflight mission.
The Shenzhou-19 crewed spaceship is scheduled to be launched at 04:27 Wednesday (Beijing Time) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, said Lin Xiqiang, spokesperson for the agency.
Lin also provided the media with an overview of the main tasks of the mission.
"This is the 4th manned mission during the application and development stage of China's space station, and also the 33rd flight mission of China's manned space program. The main objectives of the mission are to complete an in-orbit crew handover with the Shenzhou-18 crew, remain on the space station for about six months to conduct space science and application experiments, perform extravehicular activities and cargo in-and-out tests, install preventive device against space debris for the space station, deploy and retrieve extravehicular payloads and equipment, conduct science popularization education and public welfare activities, and carry out payload experiment of the space station. These efforts aim to further improve the operating efficiency of the space station and continuously leverage its comprehensive application benefits," he said.
Chinese astronauts Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong and Wang Haoze will carry out the mission, and Cai will be the commander, according to the agency.
China reveals main tasks of Shenzhou-19 manned space mission
China reveals main tasks of Shenzhou-19 manned space mission
China reveals main tasks of Shenzhou-19 manned space mission
Laos and China have agreed to deepen cooperation on higher education and vocational training, granting Lao students increased access to Chinese schools and fostering a stronger people-to-people connection between the two countries.
Two Lao students, currently studying at Mengla County Vocational Senior High School in southwest China's Yunnan Province, shared their experiences and expectations in an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN).
The school, which has accepted Lao students since 2001, exempts tuition fees for Lao students and provides extra subsidies, thanks to government funding.
"Saibaidee, hello! My name is Toulor Yong. I am from Vientiane, Laos. I am 23 years old, and I have been studying here for two years," said Yong.
"I am Kong Yang, 26 years old, from Luang Prabang, Laos. I have been studying here for over a year," said Yang.
Mengla Vocational High School has a strong reputation among Lao students, with over 3,000 alumni in Laos, making it a top choice for many aspiring students.
Since the China-Laos railway was launched in 2021, the direct train link between Mengla and major cities in Laos has significantly improved travel convenience for students, allowing them to easily commute between school and home.
"Our major is International Business in Chinese. I have always been fascinated by the Chinese language and culture. However, travel costs to China were a major hurdle. My brother also graduated from this school, and has been working as a tour guide in Laos. He recommended me this school. It is closer to Laos, which makes it more convenient, and the travel expenses are lower," said Yong.
"I studied painting in Laos for three years, and then found a job. But since the pay was too low, I thought about moving to Vientiane. My boss who also graduated from this school, recommended me to study here, so I grabbed the opportunity," said Yang.
Meanwhile, a significant number of Lao students are eager to pursue their future in China, with top-performing students like Yong aiming to take their academic journey to Chinese universities.
"According to my investigation, many Lao students plan to return to Laos for work after graduation. But, as I am passionate about Chinese culture, I want to go to university and learn more about Chinese culture," said Yong.
Yang also decided to stay in the country, as traveling across the border now takes only around 4 hours, compared to nearly a day before the railway was put into service.
"For me, after graduation, I would like to stay here if I can. With this railway, it will be so much easier for Chinese and Lao people to connect, and I can work here too," said Yang.
The two students, along with their peers from Laos studying in China, not only gained valuable knowledge and skills, but also formed lasting friendships, nurtured ambitious goals, and developed aspirations for a brighter future
"We support each other and work through problems together. I have also made some Chinese friends," said Yong.
"Things are so much better now than before. I never had the chance to learn these skills in Laos, but here, I have gained so much knowledge and lots of experience," said Yang.
Lao students pursue higher education, build aspirations in China
