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China Astronauts Extend Space Mission by a Month
17 Apr
Summary
- Shenzhou-21 crew's space mission extended by one month.
- Astronauts will conduct further technological experiments.
- Crew members are in good living and working condition.
The Shenzhou-21 astronaut crew's mission in orbit has been extended by approximately one month, according to China's Manned Space Engineering Office. This decision was made to further verify technologies essential for long-duration stays in space. The three astronauts, Zhang Hongzhang, Wu Fei, and Commander Zhang Lu, launched atop a Long March-2F rocket on October 31, 2025. Their six-month mission was scheduled to conclude around April 2026.
The crew has successfully completed various tasks, including installing space debris protection devices and inspecting external equipment, supported by the space station's robotic arm. They have been in orbit for over five months and are reported to be in good living and working condition.
During their extended spaceflight, the Shenzhou-21 astronauts will continue to perform scientific and technological experiments. The exact return date to Earth has not yet been specified, but the extension will add approximately one month to their mission duration.
