The youngest-ever crew of Chinese astronauts landed at China’s space station in October. Their average age is 38.
The spacecraft Shenzhou-17, or “Divine Vessel”, and its three passengers lifted off on a rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwest China.
Former air force pilot Tang Hongbo is leading the six-month mission. The 48-year-old was also on the first crewed mission to the Tiangong space station in 2021. For his crew members Tang Shengjie, 33, and Jiang Xinlin, 35, this is their first trip to space.
Tang’s return to Tiangong also set a record for the shortest break between two space flight missions by a Chinese astronaut. Tang said he “dreamed about going back to space” over the past two years and that the space station had become home.
Tiangong, China’s permanent space station, has been fully working since December 2022 (see graphic). The Shenzhou-17 crew is continuing the work of the previous astronauts they replaced. They are conducting experiments in medicine, biotechnology and other topics. The team is also making sure the space station is working well.
Reuters and staff writers
Questions
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