China's Ambitious Space Journey Takes Off

JIUQUAN: China is gearing up to launch a new team of astronauts to its home-built space station this Thursday, April 24, marking another step in its quest to become a leading space power and challenge U.S. supremacy in the cosmos.

With billions invested in its space program, Beijing pursues what President Xi Jinping calls the "space dream" of the Chinese people. The nation, which houses the world's second-largest economy, has ambitious plans to send a crewed mission to the Moon by the end of the decade and ultimately establish a lunar base.

The Shenzhou-20 Mission: Liftoff Details

On Thursday, the Shenzhou-20 mission will transport a trio of astronauts to China's Tiangong space station. Scheduled to lift off at 5:17 PM from the remote Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre, this launch will be led by veteran astronaut Chen Dong, 46, who holds the record for the most time spent in orbit by a Chinese astronaut at over 200 days.

Joining him are first-time space travelers Chen Zhongrui, 40, a former air force pilot, and Wang Jie, 35, a former space technology engineer.

A Grand Sendoff and Public Excitement

Before the launch, the atmosphere was electric, with thousands of excited fans waving flags and holding flowers, cheering passionately as the astronauts made their way to the launchpad. A military band played thrilling marches, amplifying the palpable excitement in the air. "We wish you success!" chanted the crowd as they witnessed the astronauts prepare for their journey.

Mission Objective: Science and Exploration

Once aboard Tiangong, the crew will spend six months conducting groundbreaking experiments in physics and life sciences, including research on regenerative aquatic flatworms—an intriguing first for space missions. They will also perform spacewalks, replenish supplies, and carry out essential maintenance on the station.

Transition of Crews and Growing International Cooperation

As three current astronauts aboard Tiangong are set to return to Earth on April 29, a seamless handover of responsibilities is in the plan. Enthusiastic space fans lined highways, braving scorching temperatures just to witness the majestic rocket—now stationed within a striking sky-blue launch tower surrounded by vibrant red flags.

China's Place in Global Space Exploration

China's space program ranks as the third to send humans into orbit and has achieved incredible milestones, including landing robotic rovers on Mars and the Moon. Excluded from the International Space Station since 2011 due to a U.S. ban on collaboration, China has sought to establish international partnerships, recently signing an agreement with Pakistan to train two Pakistani astronauts for future missions aboard Tiangong.

With every launch, China inches closer to its dream of becoming a dominant force in space exploration, leaving a profound impact on the future of human endeavors beyond Earth.