China successfully launched the Shenzhou-19 spacecraft, carrying three astronauts to its permanent space station.
The mission is set to include 86 scientific experiments focused on various fields such as space life sciences, microgravity physics, and materials research,on October 30.
Notably, one experiment will test bricks made from simulated lunar soil, which could be crucial for building a permanent lunar research station by 2035.
The launch took place from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre at 4:27 a.m. local time. The bricks for the experiment will be delivered in a separate uncrewed mission next month.
This latest crewed flight is part of China’s expanding space program, which has significantly increased in frequency since the completion of the Tiangong space station in November 2022.
The Shenzhou-19 crew includes two astronauts making their first spaceflight, with the mission leader, Cai Yuzhe, having previously participated in the construction of the Tiangong station. All crew members are affiliated with the Chinese military’s air force.
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As China aims for a manned moon landing by 2030, the astronauts also represent a new generation of space travelers trained for future lunar missions, including operating lunar rovers and conducting geological explorations.
