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China has unveiled the crew for its upcoming Shenzhou-20 space mission, set to further advance the nation’s ambitious space exploration program. The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) announced on Wednesday that astronauts Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie will be on board, with Chen Dong serving as the mission commander.
The Shenzhou-20 spacecraft is scheduled for launch at 5:17 p.m. on April 24 from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China. This mission will continue the construction and development of China’s space station.
Meet the Crew
Chen Dong
Veteran astronaut Chen Dong, born in 1978, will be commanding his third space mission. He previously participated in the Shenzhou-11 mission in 2016 and the Shenzhou-14 mission in 2022. Selected during the second intake of Chinese astronauts, Chen brings a wealth of experience to the crew.
Chen Zhongrui
Chen Zhongrui, born in 1984, will be making his first journey into space. A former pilot with the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force, he was selected in the third group of Chinese astronauts. His background adds valuable expertise to the mission team.
Wang Jie
Also embarking on his inaugural space mission, Wang Jie was born in 1989. Selected in 2020 as part of the third intake of Chinese astronauts, he is an engineer from the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. Wang’s technical skills will be instrumental in the mission’s success.
The Shenzhou-20 mission represents another significant step in China’s rapidly evolving space endeavors, with the team poised to contribute to ongoing scientific research and exploration.
