China’s Shenzhou-19 crewed spaceship has separated from the space station combination, marking the start of the astronauts’ journey back to Earth. The separation occurred at 4 a.m. Beijing Time on Wednesday, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).
Astronauts Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong, and Wang Haoze are aboard the spacecraft, which is scheduled to land at the Dongfeng landing site in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region later on Wednesday.
Before departing, the Shenzhou-19 crew, with assistance from ground staff, completed essential tasks such as configuring the space station’s status, processing and transmitting experimental data, and transferring remaining supplies. They also conducted handover procedures and shared in-orbit experiences with the Shenzhou-20 crew.
The return was initially planned for Tuesday but was postponed due to unfavorable windy conditions at the Dongfeng landing site. The CMSA has confirmed that current weather conditions meet mission requirements, and preparations are in place to welcome the crew’s return.
China launched the Shenzhou-20 crewed spaceship on April 24, sending astronauts Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie to the space station for a six-month mission.
