Shenzhou XVIII crew takes command at Tiangong space station

Sydney, Australia (SPX) Apr 30, 2024 - China's Shenzhou XVIII mission crew members have successfully completed the in-orbit handover with the outgoing Shenzhou XVII team, China Manned Space Agency confirmed.

During a formal ceremony, the crew of Shenzhou XVIII, consisting of Ye Guangfu, Li Cong, and Li Guangsu, received the keys to the Tiangong space station from their predecessors. This event marks a key phase in the continuous operation of the station, ensuring the safe transfer of responsibilities and operational control.

The Shenzhou XVIII spacecraft docked with the Tianhe core module of the China Space Station at 3:32 am on Friday, following its launch from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center at 8:59 pm the previous day.

The returning Shenzhou XVII crew, Tang Hongbo, Tang Shengjie, and Jiang Xinlin, launched last October, are scheduled to land at the Dongfeng site in Inner Mongolia on Tuesday after successfully completing their missions.

Preparations are underway at the landing site and related systems to ensure a safe return for the astronauts.