Important Facts of the News
- Shenzhou-21 spacecraft successfully docked with China’s space station.
- The docking process took approximately three and a half hours, about three hours faster than the previous mission.
- The spacecraft launched at 11:44 PM local time from the Jiuquan launch center.
- The crew consists of three members: Zhang Lu (commander and pilot), Wu Fei (engineer and youngest astronaut), and Zhang Hongzhang (payload specialist).
- This is Zhang Lu’s second mission to the space station after Shenzhou-15.
- The astronauts will stay on the station for nearly six months.
- A total of four mice (two male and two female) have been sent to the station for the first time for behavioral and biological experiments.
- 22 scientific and applied research projects are planned during the mission.
- The mice were selected from about 300 candidates after intensive training of more than 60 days.
- The mice are expected to stay in orbit for five to seven days and return aboard Shenzhou-20.
Mission Overview
The Shenzhou-21 spacecraft has reached China’s space station and completed its docking procedure in a notably short duration. The docking process took around three and a half hours, which is about three hours faster than the time taken during an earlier mission. The launch occurred from the Jiuquan space facility in northwest China at 11:44 PM local time.
Crew Members and Roles
The mission crew includes three astronauts who will work and live inside the Tianhe core module of the station. The commander and pilot Zhang Lu has prior experience with space station missions, having served during the Shenzhou-15 journey two years ago. Wu Fei, an engineer aged 32, is the youngest astronaut from the country to travel to space and is taking part in such a mission for the first time. Also part of the crew is Zhang Hongzhang, a payload specialist with research experience in new materials and new energy fields.
Duration and Scientific Goals
The crew is scheduled to remain on the station for about six months. During their stay, they plan to carry out work related to biotechnology, space medicine, materials science, and other research areas. A total of 22 scientific and applied research programs have been planned for the mission.
Biological Experiment with Mice
For the first time, China has sent four live mice to the space station to study how microgravity influences living behavior. According to engineers involved in the preparation, two male and two female mice were selected from about 300 after an intensive training period lasting more than 60 days. Their movements, feeding patterns, and environmental responses in weightless conditions will be monitored. These animals are expected to stay on the station for five to seven days before returning to Earth aboard the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft.