Shenzhou 18

Shenzhou 18 (Chinese: 神舟十八号; pinyin: Shénzhōu Shíbā-hào; lit. 'Divine Boat Number 18') is a Chinese spaceflight to the Tiangong space station, launched on 25 April 2024, near the end of the Shenzhou 17 mission. It carried three taikonauts on board a Shenzhou spacecraft. The mission is the thirteenth crewed Chinese spaceflight and the eighteenth flight overall of the Shenzhou program.^[2]

Background[edit]

Shenzhou 18 launched prior to the completion of the previous mission, Shenzhou 17. It is planned to last about six months, as is standard with Shenzhou missions to Tiangong. It will depart following the arrival of the Shenzhou 19 crew.

The crew of Shenzhou 18 consist of Ye Guangfu, Li Cong and Li Guangsu.^[3]

Mission[edit]

The mission launched from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on board a Long March 2F rocket at 20:59 Beijing Time(UTC+8). The Shenzhou spacecraft will dock to the Tianhe core module of the station, where the crew will enter prior to the departure of Shenzhou 17.

Crew[edit]

Position	Crew member
Commander	Ye Guangfu, CMSA Second spaceflight
Operator	Li Cong, CMSA First spaceflight
System Operator	Li Guangsu, CMSA First spaceflight

The crew of the Shenzhou 18 mission was announced by the CMSA on 24 April 2024 during a press conference in Jiuquan, China.^[3]

References[edit]