Shenzhou XIX crew to launch in weeks ahead

Shenzhou XVIII mission commander Senior Colonel Ye Guangfu carries out tasks outside the Tiangong space station on Tuesday in this photo of a screen at the Beijing Aerospace Control Center. (XU BU/FOR CHINA DAILY)

China will launch the Shenzhou XIX spacecraft in late October and see the return of the Shenzhou XVIII crew, whose three astronauts marked their first National Day celebration in orbit aboard China's Tiangong space station.

According to the China Manned Space Agency's October mission schedule, which was released on Monday, the Shenzhou XIX manned spacecraft is scheduled for launch later this month, and after its arrival at the space station, the Shenzhou XVIII crew will return to Earth.

The Shenzhou XVIII crew has three astronauts — Senior Colonel Ye Guangfu, who is the mission commander, Lieutenant Colonel Li Cong and Lieutenant Colonel Li Guangsu — who entered the space station on April 26.

During the seven-day National Day holiday, which runs from Tuesday to Monday, the Shenzhou XVIII crew will continue to maintain a regular and orderly work-life schedule, according to a China Media Group report.

Despite balancing work and rest, their schedule remains packed with tasks. The crew's primary responsibilities over the coming days include conducting scientific experiments, gathering and organizing data and performing routine maintenance on life-support and environmental control systems, the report said.

In preparation for the arrival of the Shenzhou XIX crew, the astronauts currently aboard the space station will organize and categorize supplies to facilitate the upcoming work handover to the new crew, which will be the sixth group of astronauts to inhabit Tiangong.

As of Tuesday, mission commander Ye had accumulated a total of 340 days in orbit, including as part of the six-month Shenzhou XIII mission to the space station. Li Cong and Li Guangsu are on their first mission to Tiangong.

On Tuesday morning, the three astronauts participated in a video call with a live China Media Group news program. They shared their aspirations for the development of China's space endeavors.

The 43-year-old Ye said during the call that Tiangong embodies the efforts of generations of astronauts and represents the achievements of China's strategic emerging industries and Chinese modernization.

"I feel very proud," he said. "This is a testament to the thriving space industry in the new era, and I give it a big thumbs-up."

Li Guangsu, 36, expressed his gratitude. "I feel very fortunate. During our five months in space, we are grateful to the many scientists who have been with us day and night," he said. "Thanks to your support, we can work and live here with peace of mind."

Astronaut Li Cong, 34, said: "I feel extremely lucky to have experienced this great new era. It's our mission and responsibility to serve our country and fulfill our space dreams.

"We will live up to the expectations of our country and the people," he added. "We are committed to completing our mission efficiently and successfully."