A short video aired by China Media Group unveiled the whole process of the handover between China’s Shenzhou-18 and Shenzhou-19 crews at the space station, including samples and equipment for scientific experiments.
The Shenzhou-19 spaceship, atop a Long March-2F carrier rocket, blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 04:27 on Oct 30.
The Shenzhou-19 crew - Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong, and Wang Haoze - successfully reached their destination and joined their Shenzhou-18 colleagues - Ye Guangfu, Li Cong, and Li Guangsu - on the same day after the spaceship completed a rapid automated rendezvous and docking with Tianhe core module of China's Tiangong space station.
During the in-orbit rotation, the astronauts cooperated in an orderly manner to complete the handover procedure, including the transfer and sorting of items brought by Shenzhou-19, the operating precautions of the equipment on the space station, and important ground calls and requirements, to ensure the smooth progress of subsequent work.
The scientific experiments on the space station were also handed over smoothly. The Shenzhou-18 crew helped the new trio in transferring and placing the experimental components and samples brought by Shenzhou-19 to the space station.
The scientific projects to be carried out by the Shenzhou-19 crew include cell experiments, focusing on the effects of the microgravity environment on cell growth, differentiation and function.
So far, China has implemented many space medical cytology experimental projects in orbit, providing an important research platform for the physical health protection of astronauts.
During the rotation, the two crews also carried out routine medical examinations, including mass measurements, muscle ultrasound examinations, and bone density measurements. The Shenzhou-18 crew shared the experience in using relevant equipment and instruments.
The two crews held a handover ceremony in the core module on Nov 1. The Shenzhou-18 astronauts passed the key to the new trio and signed confirmation documents together.
After the handover, the Shenzhou-18 crew made preparations for the return trip, and the three astronauts returned to Earth on Nov 4 after completing their planned tasks aboard the space station.
CMG video unveils handover process between Shenzhou-18, Shenzhou-19 crews
