China Launches Shenzhou-20, Continues Crew Rotation on Tiangong Space Station

Liftoff of Shenzou-20 from launch livestream

JIUQUAN, China — April 24, 2025

Three Chinese astronauts lifted off today aboard the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft, marking China’s latest step toward continuous human presence in space. The crew launched at 5:17 p.m. Beijing Time (0917 UTC) aboard a Long March 2F rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, heading toward the country’s modular Tiangong space station in low Earth orbit.

Just over six hours later, the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft successfully docked with Tiangong, completing the mission’s first major milestone. The new crew is now preparing for a six-month stay aboard the orbital complex.

The Crew and Mission Objectives

Commander Chen Dong, a veteran taikonaut who previously led the Shenzhou-14 mission, returns to orbit alongside first-time flyers Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie. Both are part of China’s third group of astronauts, selected in 2020 with a focus on supporting long-term missions and deep space ambitions.

While on board, the crew will conduct a range of tasks, including:

• Scientific experiments in life sciences, microgravity materials, and fluid physics

• Station maintenance and system testing

• Preparations for future cargo and crew vehicle arrivals

They will also complete an in-orbit handover with the departing Shenzhou-19 crew, who are scheduled to return to Earth later this week.

Understanding Tiangong and China’s Space Ambitions

The Tiangong space station — meaning “Heavenly Palace” — was launched in stages beginning in 2021 and is now fully operational with three core modules: Tianhe (core module), Wentian, and Mengtian (lab modules). The station orbits approximately 400 kilometers above Earth and supports a standard crew of three astronauts.

Unlike the International Space Station (ISS), which is a collaborative multinational platform, Tiangong is operated solely by the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA). However, Chinese officials have repeatedly stated their interest in international scientific collaboration, and some payloads from foreign partners have already flown aboard previous missions.

Tiangong is expected to remain in operation for at least 10 years, serving as a hub for scientific research, Earth observation, and technology demonstrations.

A Brief History of China’s Human Spaceflight Program

China’s crewed spaceflight program officially began with the Shenzhou-5 mission in 2003, when astronaut Yang Liwei became the first Chinese citizen in space. Since then, the country has steadily expanded its space capabilities through a mix of uncrewed lunar missions, satellite deployment programs, and progressive human spaceflight milestones.

Key achievements include:

• The Tiangong-1 and Tiangong-2 prototype space labs (2011–2016)

• The Chang’e lunar program, including successful sample return from the Moon (2020)

• Development of reusable spaceflight infrastructure and future plans for deep space missions, including a Mars sample return and lunar base concept by the 2030s

Today’s Shenzhou-20 mission is China’s 15th crewed spaceflight and the 9th to visit Tiangong.

What Happens Next?

The newly arrived crew will spend several days working alongside their Shenzhou-19 counterparts in a rare crew handover, completing a smooth rotation in orbit. After the handover is complete, the older crew will board their spacecraft and re-enter Earth’s atmosphere for a landing in the deserts of Inner Mongolia.

With Shenzhou-20 safely docked, Tiangong is once again fully crewed and ready for its next chapter of orbital operations.

For ongoing updates on the mission and China's growing presence in space, follow the China Manned Space Agency and national broadcasters like CGTN.