China’s First In‑Orbit Crew Rotation: A New Space Station Milestone
On November 30, three astronauts stepped aboard China’s new space station, marking the first time a crew has truly taken residence in orbit eyeballing NASA‑led space activity. They hopped onto the Shenzhou‑15—nicknamed the “Divine Vessel”—which blasted off from the Jiuquan satellite launch site at 11:08 pm under frosty Gobi skies.
Launch Day Highlights
- The Long March‑2F rocket huffed into the chill air at 11:08 pm, carrying the crew to their orbital home.
- Shenzhou‑15 was the final piece of the 11‑mission puzzle needed to build the “Celestial Palace” (the station’s nickname).
- It docked with the station more than six hours after liftoff.
The Hand‑Off Huddle
Once docked, the new crew received a hearty welcome from the Shenzhou‑14 team. The hand‑over lasted just one week, paving the way for the station to host six astronauts at once—another record for China’s space program.
Celebration Amid Challenges
While the nation was grappling with its strict “zero‑COVID” stance and a slowing economy, the successful launch was a moment of pride for many. “Long live the motherland!” a chorus of netizens shouted online.
A Glimpse into the Past
China’s manned spaceflight journey started in 2003 when Yang Liwei, a former fighter pilot, blasted into orbit aboard Shenzhou‑5—China’s very first astronaut and a nationwide hero.
The Bigger Picture
The space station symbolizes China’s growing stand in the cosmos, challenging U.S. dominance. It remains separated from NASA’s International Space Station due to U.S. legal restrictions, continuing the rivalry in outer space.
Future ‘taikonauts’
China’s Shenzhou-15 Stars Ready to Take the Stars for a Spin
Meet the Crew
- Fei Junlong – 57‑year‑old veteran, first Chinese astronaut in the late ’90s and commander of China’s second crewed flight 17 years ago. Now he’s getting a front‑row seat at the space station.
- Deng Qingming – 56, a 24‑year astronaut trainee who finally got his chance at Shenzhou‑15. He’s basically the granddad of space trips.
- Zhang Lu – 46, ex‑air‑force pilot and fresh‑off‑the‑launch “newcomer” eager to see the cosmos.
Why These New “Taikonauts” Matter
China wants to keep the momentum going. The next wave of stars will come from scientists—think PhDs in biology, physics, chemistry, biomedical engineering, and astronomy—rather than just pilots. The space station’s T‑shaped platform will host the crew for a full half‑year of experiments, adventures, and a little bit of cosmic coffee breaks.
What’s on the Agenda?
The station is slated to conduct over 1,000 scientific experiments in the coming decade. Topics range from:
- How plants cope when gravity decides to take a nap.
- Fluid dynamics that would make a water‑bottle olympian jealous.
- Anything else humanity can dream up in microgravity.
International Buzz
For the first time, the selection process has opened doors for Hong Kong and Macau applicants. China is planning two crewed missions a year, keeping the station humming like a giant cosmic pow‑wow.
From Potatoes to Space Stations
Back in the 1950s, Mao Zedong could barely get a potato into orbit. Fast forward to today, and China’s space program is no longer a handful of dreams—it’s a full-blown reality. With each crewed flight, the nation steps closer to being a serious player among the stars.
