China Launches Shenzhou-21 with Astronauts and Space Mice

China successfully launched the Shenzhou-21 spacecraft on its latest mission to the Tiangong space station, sending three astronauts and four mice into orbit. The spacecraft took off from the Jiuquan launch center in northwestern China at 11:44 p.m. local time on June 22, 2023. This mission marks a significant step in China’s ongoing efforts to expand its presence in space.

Among the crew is Zhang Lu, the mission commander and pilot, who previously participated in the Shenzhou-15 mission two years ago. Joining him are Wu Fei, aged 32, who becomes the country’s youngest astronaut to embark on a spaceflight, and Zhang Hongzhang, a payload specialist with a background in new energy and materials research. The astronauts plan to spend approximately six months at the space station, engaging in various activities, including tai-chi and gardening.

Scientific Research and Experiments

During their stay, the team will conduct 27 scientific projects across multiple disciplines, including biotechnology, aerospace medicine, and materials science. Notably, this mission includes the first-ever transportation of mice to the Tiangong space station. The group of four mice—two males and two females—was selected from a pool of 300 candidates after an intensive training program lasting over 60 days.

According to Han Pei, an engineer at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the study aims to investigate how weightlessness and confinement impact the mice’s behavior. Han stated, “This will help us master key technologies for the breeding and monitoring of small mammals in space and make a preliminary assessment of the mice’s emergency responses and adaptive changes in space environments.” The mice are expected to remain in the station for five to seven days before returning to Earth aboard the Shenzhou-20.

China’s Ambitious Space Program

China’s space program has become a source of national pride, showcasing the country’s technological advancements over the past two decades. Since launching its first crewed mission in 2003, China has established itself as a major player in space exploration. The Tiangong space station, entirely built by China, serves as a platform for ongoing research and international collaboration, especially since the country has been excluded from the International Space Station due to U.S. national security concerns.

On the eve of the launch, Zhang Jingbo, a spokesperson for the China Manned Space Agency, reaffirmed the goal of sending an astronaut to the moon by 2030, stating, “Our fixed goal of China landing a person on the moon by 2030 is firm.” Furthermore, in collaboration with Pakistan, China is selecting two Pakistani astronauts for training, with plans for one to participate in a short-term mission as a payload expert, marking a potential milestone as the first foreign astronaut to visit the Tiangong space station.

The Shenzhou-21 mission exemplifies China’s commitment to expanding its capabilities in space exploration and research, paving the way for future endeavors and international partnerships.