China is ready to make history with the launch of its Chang Zheng 2F/G (Long March 2F/G) rocket, carrying three astronauts inside the Shenzhou 21 capsule. The anticipated launch is scheduled for Friday, marking a significant milestone in China’s space exploration endeavors.
The launch will take place from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi Desert, a site that has hosted numerous space launches since the 1960s. The Chang Zheng 2F/G is a modified version of the Chang Zheng 2F, specifically designed to carry manned spacecraft. The mission, which will be the 14th flight of the Shenzhou program, will also see the Shenzhou 21 spacecraft being launched into space for the first time.
The three astronauts, or taikonauts as they are known in China, will be on a mission to the Chinese space station, Tianhe, which is currently under construction. The mission is part of a series of manned expeditions planned by the China National Space Administration (CNSA) to complete the construction of the space station.
This upcoming launch follows the successful docking of the Tianzhou-2 cargo spacecraft with the Tianhe core module in May 2021, which delivered supplies for the taikonauts and equipment for the station. The Shenzhou 21 mission is pivotal for the construction and operation of the Tianhe space station, a project that China has been working on for years.
The mission is expected to last several months, during which the taikonauts will conduct a series of scientific experiments and technological tests. This is in line with China’s ambition to become a significant player in space exploration, alongside the United States and Russia.
The CNSA has not yet revealed the identities of the astronauts for the Shenzhou 21 mission. However, it is known that the Chinese astronaut corps includes a mixture of fighter pilots and engineers, and for the first time, may also include women.
The Shenzhou 21 mission and the construction of the Tianhe space station represent a significant milestone for China’s space program. This mission, if successful, will be a major step towards China’s goal of establishing a continuous human presence in space. The Tianhe space station, once completed, will serve as a base for scientific research and technological development, further boosting China’s status in the international space community.
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