Beijing
The Shenzhou-18 crew of three Chinese astronauts has successfully returned to Earth after a six-month mission at the Tiangong space station. Their return capsule landed in Inner Mongolia at 1:24 a.m. on Monday, with all crew members exiting by 2:15 a.m.
Commander Ye Guangfu became the first Chinese astronaut to accumulate over a year in space, having previously participated in the Shenzhou-13 mission. During their 192 days in orbit, the crew conducted various scientific experiments in microgravity, including advancements in space life science and technology.
The astronauts performed two extravehicular activities, setting a record for the longest single spacewalk by Chinese astronauts, working for about eight-and-a-half hours to install space debris protection devices. They also conducted research on emergency decision-making, monitored their health, and cultivated plants in a space “garden.” China plans to launch the Shenzhou-20 and Shenzhou-21 crewed missions, along with the Tianzhou-9 cargo craft, in 2025 to continue its manned space program.
