China’s Shenzhou-18 Mission: Objectives and Astronaut Team
Objective of Mission:
China’s Shenzhou-18 crewed mission, scheduled for launch on April 25, 2023, aims to conduct scientific experiments, install space debris protection equipment, carry out cargo delivery missions, and popularize science education. In addition, the astronauts will perform extravehicular activities (EVAs) and maintain the Tiangong space station, which is currently under construction.
Involved Astronauts
The three astronauts participating in the Shenzhou-18 mission are:
- Ye Guangfu (Commander): A veteran astronaut who participated in the Shenzhou-13 mission in 2021. He will be responsible for overall mission command and space station operations.
- Li Cong: A newcomer to spaceflight, Li Cong will serve as a mission specialist. He will assist with scientific experiments and maintenance tasks on the space station.
- Li Guangsu: Another first-time space traveler, Li Guangsu will also act as a mission specialist. He will focus on space debris monitoring and space station maintenance.
Mission Highlights
- Duration: The Shenzhou-18 mission will last approximately six months, with the astronauts residing and working aboard the Tiangong space station.
- Experiments: Over 90 scientific experiments will be conducted during the mission, covering various fields such as space biology, microgravity effects, and materials science.
- Space Debris Mitigation: The astronauts will install an advanced radar system to monitor space debris and assess potential collision risks to the space station.
- International Collaboration: China plans to gradually open its space station to international collaborations, including foreign astronauts and space tourists.
This mission is a significant milestone in China’s ambitious space exploration program, which aims to achieve crewed lunar missions and establish a permanent human presence in space.