The Shenzhou-19 manned spaceship, with three astronauts on board, has entered its designated orbit after blasting off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 04:27 (Beijing Time) Wednesday.
The astronaut trio consists of Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong and Wang Haoze, with Cai being the mission commander.
About 10 minutes after liftoff, the spaceship separated from the rocket and entered its designated orbit. The crew members are in good shape and the launch is a "complete success", announced Zou Lipeng, commander of the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.
While in orbit, the Shenzhou-19 spaceship is scheduled to make a fast automated rendezvous and docking with China's Tiangong space station combination.
The Shenzhou-19 astronauts will take over command of the space station after completing an in-orbit rotation with their colleagues of the Shenzhou-18 mission.
They will stay at Tiangong for approximately six months, during which they will witness the arrival of the Tianzhou-8 cargo craft and Shenzhou-20 manned spaceship.
The new crew will perform tasks like conducting 86 space science research and technology experiments, carrying out extravehicular activities, installing protective devices against space debris, and installing and recycling extravehicular payloads and equipment.
They will also engage in science education, public welfare activities, and other payload tests throughout their mission.
China successfully sends Shenzhou-19 manned spaceship into designated orbit
China successfully sends Shenzhou-19 manned spaceship into designated orbit
