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
China and Russia held the 19th round of their annual strategic security consultation in Beijing on Tuesday, with both sides exchanging in-depth views on major issues of common concern related to strategic security.
The meeting was co-chaired by Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, and Sergei Shoigu, secretary of the Russian Federation Security Council.
Noting that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia, Wang said that under the leadership of the two heads of state, China-Russia relations have maintained sound, stable momentum amid changes in global affairs.
Both sides adhere to the principles of lasting good-neighborliness and friendship, comprehensive strategic coordination, and mutually beneficial cooperation, all of which serve the fundamental interests of the two peoples, Wang observed.
He said that China and Russia have supported each other firmly on issues concerning their core interests, deepened political mutual trust and promoted practical cooperation, creating a new model for relations between neighboring major countries, and significantly promoting solidarity and cooperation within the Global South.
Guided by the consensus reached by the two heads of state, the China-Russia strategic security consultation mechanism should strengthen coordination on strategic and overarching issues related to the security and development interests of both sides, Wang said.
Wang also called for enhanced exchange and multilateral coordination between the two countries amid the changing international landscape, so as to provide a strong guarantee for the high-level development momentum of China-Russia relations and ensure that the two countries work together to maintain global strategic stability.
Shoigu said that Russia is willing to work with China to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state, and enhance bilateral cooperation and coordination within multilateral mechanisms such as the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS, aiming to promote the continuous development of Russia-China relations.
China, Russia hold annual strategic security consultation
China, Russia hold annual strategic security consultation
