China is gearing up for its next crewed space mission as the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft and the Long March-2F Y20 carrier rocket were moved to the launchpad at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on Wednesday. This vertical transfer marks a significant milestone in the mission’s preparation.
The assembly, which includes the rocket’s payload fairing encapsulating the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft, began its journey from the assembly facility and took over two hours to complete. The meticulous operation reflects the precision and care involved in the Chinese mainland’s ambitious space endeavors.
The Shenzhou-20 spacecraft is set to carry three astronauts into orbit. While the exact launch date remains undisclosed, officials have indicated that the spacecraft will launch at an optimal window in the near future.
This upcoming mission highlights China’s continued progress in space exploration and its commitment to advancing crewed spaceflight. The move of the spacecraft and rocket to the launchpad brings the nation one step closer to another milestone in its space program.
